Seat structure and vehicle

ABSTRACT

In a seat, in a state in which tilting of a back main frame around a tilting center is locked by a reclining mechanism, a lower end of a back joint link is turnably joined to a vehicle side. Thus, turning of a first link, a back sub frame and the back joint link is locked, and operation of a back link mechanism is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from rear side of a back side portion can be enhanced by the back link mechanism (the back sub frame), and a crew sitting in the seat can be thoroughly retained.

This is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/547,962 filed onJul. 12, 2012, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/094,133, which is a national stage of PCT/JP2006/322648, filed Nov.14, 2006, which claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2005-331894,filed Nov. 16, 2005. The contents of each of these applications areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a seat structure in which a thicknessof a seat side portion is made flexable, and a vehicle provided with aseat that is structured with this seat structure.

BACKGROUND ART

As a seat structure, there is a structure in which a thickness of a seatside portion is made flexable by left and right seat side portions of aseat cushion being made movable to a high position and a low positionrelative to a central top panel portion (for example, see patentreference 1).

However, in this seat structure, a support wire that supports the seatside portion from a reverse side is only urged toward a face side of theseat cushion by a torsion spring. Moreover, a turning plane of thesupport wire (a plane including a turning direction) is madeperpendicular to a front-rear direction of the seat cushion. Therefore,a support rigidity of the seat side portion from the support wire withrespect to a load in a left-right direction of the seat cushion is low.

-   Patent reference 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No.    2000-316663

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

In consideration of the circumstances described above, an objective ofthe present invention is to provide a seat structure and vehicle capableof enhancing a support rigidity of a seat side portion.

Means for Solving the Problem

An embodiment of a seat structure includes a seat side portion providedat a left-right direction side portion of a seat back; and a linkmechanism that, along with supporting the seat side portion, is joinedto at least one of a seat cushion and a vehicle side, operation beinglocked in a condition of use of a seat, is operated by operation of atleast one of the seat back and the seat cushion, and flexes a thicknessof the seat side portion, wherein the link mechanism including: a backmain frame provided inside the seat back; a back flexing componentincluding a back face side frame, which is provided in the seat back ata face side relative to the back main frame, and a first link, which isturnably joined to the back main frame and the back face side frame; anda back joint mechanism that is joined to the back flexing component, atthe face side of the seat back relative to a position of joining to theback main frame of the first link, and operates the back flexingcomponent in accordance with operation of at least one of the seat backand the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the link mechanism supports the seat sideportion provided at the left-right direction (a transverse direction ofthe seat) side portion of the seat back, the link mechanism is operatedby operation of at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion, andthe thickness of the seat side portion is flexed.

Here, the link mechanism is joined to the at least one of the seatcushion and the vehicle side, and in the condition in which the seat isused (a state in which sitting is possible), the operation is locked.Therefore, supporting rigidity of the seat side portion can be enhanced.

Further, the back main frame is provided inside the seat back.Furthermore, the back flexing component includes the back face sideframe and the first link, and the back face side frame is provided inthe seat back at the face side relative to the back main frame, alongwith which the first link is turnably joined to the back main frame andthe back face side frame.

Here, the back joint mechanism is joined to the back flexing component,and the back flexing component is operated (that is, the link mechanismis operated) by the operation of the at least one of the seat back andthe seat cushion. Accordingly, the thickness of the seat side portion ofthe seat back can be flexed.

According to some embodiments, the operation plane of the link mechanismbeing is made parallel to a direction perpendicular to the left-rightdirection and a thickness direction of the seat back.

According to some embodiments, the operation plane of the link mechanismis made parallel with the direction perpendicular to the left-rightdirection and the thickness direction of the seat back. Therefore, thesupporting rigidity of the seat side portion with respect to the load inthe left-right direction of the seat back can be more enhanced.

According to some embodiments, the back joint mechanism is turnablyjoined to a vehicle side at a position which is offset from a tiltingcenter of the seat back.

According to some embodiments, the back joint mechanism is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the position which is offset from thetilting center of the seat back. Therefore, the back flexing componentcan be operated by a tilting operation of the seat back.

According to some embodiments, the back joint mechanism is turnablyjoined to the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the back joint mechanism is turnablyjoined to the seat cushion. Therefore, the back flexing component can beoperated by operation of the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the back flexing component includes: aback face frame provided in the seat back at the face side relative tothe back face side frame; a second link turnably joined to the back faceside frame and the back face frame; and a third link turnably joined tothe back main frame and the back face frame.

According to some embodiments, the back flexing component includes theback face frame, the second link and the third link. The back face frameis provided at the face side relative to the face side frame in the seatback, the second link is turnably joined to the back face side frame andthe back face frame, and the third link is turnably joined to the backmain frame and the back face frame. Therefore, the back face side frameturns via the first link with respect to the back main frame, along withwhich the back face frame turns via the second link with respect to theback face side frame, and the back flexing component is operated.Accordingly, a flexing amount of the thickness of the seat side portioncan be increased.

According to some embodiments, the back flexing component includes aback reverse side frame that is provided in the seat back at a reverseside relative to the back main frame, and to which the first link isturnably joined.

According to some embodiments, the back flexing component includes theback reverse side frame, and the back reverse side frame is provided atthe reverse side relative to the back main frame in the seat back, alongwith which the first link is turnably joined to the back reverse sideframe. Therefore, the thickness of the seat side portion can be flexedat the reverse side relative to the back main frame.

Another embodiment of a seat structure includes a back cover member thatcovers the seat back and accommodates the back reverse side frame.

According to some embodiments, the back cover member that covers theseat back accommodates the back reverse side frame. Therefore,appearance of the seat back can be improved.

Another embodiment of a seat structure includes a seat side portionprovided at a left-right direction side portion of a seat cushion; and alink mechanism that, along with supporting the seat side portion, isjoined to at least one of a seat back and a vehicle side, operationbeing locked in a condition of use of a seat, is operated by operationof at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion, and flexes athickness of the seat side portion, wherein the link mechanismincluding: a cushion main frame provided inside the seat cushion; acushion flexing component including a cushion face side frame, which isprovided in the seat cushion at a face side relative to the cushion mainframe, and a cushion joining component, which turnably joins the cushionmain frame and the cushion face side frame; and a cushion connectionmechanism that is connected to the cushion flexing component, at theface side of the seat cushion relative to a position of joining to thecushion main frame of cushion joining component, and operates thecushion flexing component in accordance with operation of at least oneof the seat back and the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the link mechanism supports the seat sideportion provided at the left-right direction (a transverse direction ofthe seat) side portion of the seat cushion, the link mechanism isoperated by operation of at least one of the seat back and the seatcushion, and the thickness of the seat side portion is flexed.

Here, the link mechanism is joined to the at least one of the seat backand the vehicle side, and in the condition in which the seat is used (astate in which sitting is possible), the operation is locked. Therefore,supporting rigidity of the seat side portion can be enhanced.

Further, the cushion main frame is provided inside the seat cushion.Furthermore, the cushion flexing component includes the cushion faceside frame and the cushion joining component, and the cushion face sideframe is provided in the seat cushion at the face side relative to thecushion main frame, along with which the cushion joining component isturnably joined to the cushion main frame and the cushion face sideframe.

Here, the cushion connection mechanism is connected to the cushionflexing component, and the cushion flexing component is operated (thatis, the link mechanism is operated) by the operation of the at least oneof the seat back and the seat cushion. Accordingly, the thickness of theseat side portion of the seat cushion can be flexed.

According to some embodiments, the operation plane of the link mechanismis made parallel to a direction perpendicular to the left-rightdirection and a thickness direction of the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the operation plane of the link mechanismis made parallel with the direction perpendicular to the left-rightdirection and the thickness direction of the seat cushion. Therefore,the supporting rigidity of the seat side portion with respect to theload in the left-right direction of the seat cushion can be moreenhanced.

Another embodiment of a seat structure includes a seat side portionprovided at a left-right direction side portion of a seat cushion; and alink mechanism that, along with supporting the seat side portion, isjoined to at least one of a seat back and a vehicle side, operationbeing locked in a condition of use of a seat, is operated by operationof at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion, and flexes athickness of the seat side portion, wherein the link mechanismincluding: a cushion main frame provided inside the seat cushion; acushion flexing component including a cushion face side frame, which isprovided in the seat cushion at a face side relative to the cushion mainframe, and a cushion joining component, which turnably joins the cushionmain frame and the cushion face side frame; and a cushion connectionmechanism that, along with being turnably joined to the cushion mainframe and the vehicle side, supports the cushion face side frame, isconnected to the cushion flexing component, and operates the cushionflexing component in accordance with operation of at least one of theseat back and the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the link mechanism supports the seat sideportion provided at the left-right direction (a transverse direction ofthe seat) side portion of the seat cushion, the link mechanism isoperated by operation of at least one of the seat back and the seatcushion, and the thickness of the seat side portion is flexed.

Here, the link mechanism is joined to the at least one of the seat backand the vehicle side, and in the condition in which the seat is used (astate in which sitting is possible), the operation is locked. Therefore,supporting rigidity of the seat side portion can be enhanced.

Further, the cushion main frame is provided inside the seat cushion.Furthermore, the cushion flexing component includes the cushion faceside frame and the cushion joining component, and the cushion face sideframe is provided in the seat cushion at the face side relative to thecushion main frame, along with which the cushion joining component isturnably joined to the cushion main frame and the cushion face sideframe.

Here, the cushion connection mechanism is connected to the cushionflexing component, and the cushion flexing component is operated (thatis, the link mechanism is operated) by the operation of the at least oneof the seat back and the seat cushion. Accordingly, the thickness of theseat side portion of the seat cushion can be flexed.

Further, the cushion connection mechanism is turnably joined to thecushion main frame and the vehicle side, along with which it supportsthe cushion face side frame. Therefore, the cushion flexing componentcan be operated by operation of the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the cushion connection mechanism isturnably joined to the seat back at a position which is offset from atilting center of the seat back.

According to some embodiments, the cushion connection mechanism isturnably joined to the seat back at the position which is offset fromthe tilting center of the seat back. Therefore, the cushion flexingcomponent can be operated by a tilting operation of the seat back.

Another embodiment of a seat structure includes a seat side portionprovided at a left-right direction side portion of a seat cushion; and alink mechanism that, along with supporting the seat side portion, isjoined to at least one of a seat back and a vehicle side, operationbeing locked in a condition of use of a seat, is operated by operationof at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion, and flexes athickness of the seat side portion, wherein the link mechanismincluding: a cushion main frame provided inside the seat cushion; acushion flexing component including a cushion face side frame, which isprovided in the seat cushion at a face side relative to the cushion mainframe, and a cushion joining component, which turnably joins the cushionmain frame and the cushion face side frame; a cushion connectionmechanism that, along with being turnably joined to the vehicle side, isconnected to the cushion flexing component, and operates the cushionflexing component in accordance with operation of at least one of theseat back and the seat cushion; and a fourth link that, along with beingjoined to the cushion main frame, is turnably joined to the vehicle sideat a position which is offset from a turning center of the cushionconnection mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the link mechanism supports the seat sideportion provided at the left-right direction (a transverse direction ofthe seat) side portion of the seat cushion, the link mechanism isoperated by operation of at least one of the seat back and the seatcushion, and the thickness of the seat side portion is flexed.

Here, the link mechanism is joined to the at least one of the seat backand the vehicle side, and in the condition in which the seat is used (astate in which sitting is possible), the operation is locked. Therefore,supporting rigidity of the seat side portion can be enhanced.

Further, the cushion main frame is provided inside the seat cushion.Furthermore, the cushion flexing component includes the cushion faceside frame and the cushion joining component, and the cushion face sideframe is provided in the seat cushion at the face side relative to thecushion main frame, along with which the cushion joining component isturnably joined to the cushion main frame and the cushion face sideframe.

Here, the cushion connection mechanism is connected to the cushionflexing component, and the cushion flexing component is operated (thatis, the link mechanism is operated) by the operation of the at least oneof the seat back and the seat cushion. Accordingly, the thickness of theseat side portion of the seat cushion can be flexed.

Further, the cushion connection mechanism is turnably joined to thevehicle side, in addition to which the fourth link is joined to thecushion main frame, along with which it is turnably joined to thevehicle side at the position which is offset from the tilting center ofthe cushion connection mechanism. Therefore, the cushion flexingcomponent can be operated by operation of the seat cushion.

Another embodiment of a seat structure includes a seat side portionprovided at a left-right direction side portion of a seat cushion; and alink mechanism that, along with supporting the seat side portion, isjoined to at least one of a seat back and a vehicle side, operationbeing locked in a condition of use of a seat, is operated by operationof at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion, and flexes athickness of the seat side portion, wherein the link mechanismincluding: a cushion main frame provided inside the seat cushion andturnably joined to the vehicle side; a cushion flexing componentincluding a cushion face side frame, which is provided in the seatcushion at a face side relative to the cushion main frame, and a cushionjoining component, which turnably joins the cushion main frame and thecushion face side frame; and a cushion connection mechanism that, alongwith being turnably joined to the vehicle side at a position which isoffset from a turning center of the cushion main frame, is connected tothe cushion flexing component, and operates the cushion flexingcomponent in accordance with operation of at least one of the seat backand the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the link mechanism supports the seat sideportion provided at the left-right direction (a transverse direction ofthe seat) side portion of the seat cushion, the link mechanism isoperated by operation of at least one of the seat back and the seatcushion, and the thickness of the seat side portion is flexed.

Here, the link mechanism is joined to the at least one of the seat backand the vehicle side, and in the condition in which the seat is used (astate in which sitting is possible), the operation is locked. Therefore,supporting rigidity of the seat side portion can be enhanced.

Further, the cushion main frame is provided inside the seat cushion.Furthermore, the cushion flexing component includes the cushion faceside frame and the cushion joining component, and the cushion face sideframe is provided in the seat cushion at the face side relative to thecushion main frame, along with which the cushion joining component isturnably joined to the cushion main frame and the cushion face sideframe.

Here, the cushion connection mechanism is connected to the cushionflexing component, and the cushion flexing component is operated (thatis, the link mechanism is operated) by the operation of the at least oneof the seat back and the seat cushion. Accordingly, the thickness of theseat side portion of the seat cushion can be flexed.

Further, the cushion main frame is turnably joined to a vehicle side,along with which the cushion connection mechanism is turnably joined tothe vehicle side, at the position which is offset from the tiltingcenter of the cushion main frame. Therefore, the cushion flexingcomponent can be operated by operation of the seat cushion.

According to some embodiments, the cushion flexing component includes: acushion face frame provided in the seat cushion at the face siderelative to the cushion face side frame; and a fifth link turnablyjoined to the cushion face side frame and the cushion face frame.

According to some embodiments, the cushion flexing component includesthe cushion face frame and the fifth link. The cushion face frame isprovided at the face side relative to the cushion face side frame in theseat cushion, and the fifth link is turnably joined to the cushion faceside frame and the cushion face frame. Therefore, the cushion face sideframe turns via the cushion joining component with respect to thecushion main frame, along with which the cushion face frame turns viathe fifth link with respect to the cushion main frame, and the cushionflexing component is operated. Accordingly, a flexing amount of thethickness of the seat side portion can be increased.

According to some embodiments, the cushion flexing component includes acushion reverse side member that is provided in the seat cushion at areverse side relative to the cushion main frame and at which aseparation from the cushion main frame in the thickness direction of theseat side portion is made flexable.

According to some embodiments, the cushion flexing component includesthe cushion reverse side member, and the cushion reverse side member isprovided at the reverse side relative to the cushion main frame in theseat cushion, along with which the separation of the cushion reverseside member in the seat side portion thickness direction from thecushion main frame is made flexable. Therefore, the thickness of theseat side portion can be flexed at the reverse side relative to thecushion main frame.

Another embodiment of a seat structure includes a cushion cover memberthat covers the seat cushion and accommodates the cushion reverse sidemember.

According to some embodiments, the cushion cover member that covers theseat cushion accommodates the cushion reverse side member. Therefore,appearance of the seat cushion can be improved.

An embodiment of a vehicle includes a seat that is structured with anembodiment of a seat structure.

Another embodiment of a vehicle includes a seat that is structured withanother embodiment of a seat structure.

Effect of the Invention

With the present invention, supporting rigidity of a seat side portioncan be enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing the seat relatingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing the seat relating to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing a stowed state of the seat relating to the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4A is a sectional view, viewed from an upper end side, showingprincipal elements of the seat relating to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4B is a sectional view, viewed from the upper end side, showing astowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a tumble storagestate of the seat relating to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally forward, showing aspace-increasing storage state of the seat relating to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally rearward, showinga rearward under-floor storage state of the seat relating to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of a first alternative example relating to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a seat of a secondalternative example relating to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe seat of the second alternative example relating to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a plan view, viewed from the upper end side, showingprincipal elements of the seat of the second alternative examplerelating to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a plan view, viewed from the upper end side, showing thestowed state of the principal elements of the seat of the secondalternative example relating to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a forwardtilt-down stowed state of the seat relating to the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a rearwardtilt-down stowed state of the seat relating to the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a double-foldedstowed state of the seat relating to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left rearward,showing a double-flat stowed state of the seat relating to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing the seat relatingto the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally forward, showing aspace-increasing storage state of the seat relating to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the third embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a seat relating toa fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat relating to the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 19A is a sectional view, viewed from an upper end side, showingprincipal elements of the seat relating to the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19B is a sectional view, viewed from the upper end side, showing astowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating to the fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat of an alternative example relating to the fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat of the alternative example relatingto the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the seventh embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a seat relating toan eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26A is a sectional view, viewed from the upper end side, showingprincipal elements of the seat relating to the ninth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 26B is a sectional view, viewed from the upper end side, showing astowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating to the ninthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the ninth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 28 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the eleventh embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a seat relating toa twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a thirteenth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 32B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat of the alternative example relatingto the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33A is a sectional view, viewed from the upper end side, showingthe principal elements of the seat relating to the thirteenth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 33B is a sectional view, viewed from the upper end side, showingthe stowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating to thethirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat of an alternative example relating to the thirteenthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat of the alternative example relatingto the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the fifteenth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a seat relating toa sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a seventeenth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 39B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat relating to the seventeenthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40A is a sectional view, viewed from a front end side, showing theprincipal elements of the seat relating to the seventeenth embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 40B is a sectional view, viewed from the front end side, showingthe stowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating to theseventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a seat of analternative example relating to the seventeenth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 41B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe seat of the alternative example relating to the seventeenthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a nineteenth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 43B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat relating to the nineteenth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the nineteenthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twenty-first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftrearward, showing the principal elements of the seat relating to thetwenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twenty-second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 49 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the twenty-secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twenty-third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 51 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the twenty-thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing the principal elements of the seat relating to the twenty-fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing a stowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating tothe twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55A is a sectional view, viewed from the front end side, showingthe principal elements of the seat relating to the twenty-fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55B is a sectional view, viewed from the front end side, showingthe stowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating to thetwenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the twenty-fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 58A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 58B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat relating to the twenty-sixthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 59 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the twenty-sixthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 60 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 61 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftrearward, showing the principal elements of the seat relating to thetwenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 63A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a twenty-ninth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 63B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat relating to the twenty-ninthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 64 is an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftrearward, showing the principal elements of the seat relating to thetwenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 65 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 66 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the thirtieth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 67 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a thirty-first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 68 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing the principal elements of the seat relating to the thirty-firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 69 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing a stowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating tothe thirty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 70 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the thirty-firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 71 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a thirty-second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 72A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a thirty-third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 72B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat relating to the thirty-thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 73 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the thirty-thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 74 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 75 is an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftrearward, showing principal elements of a seat relating to athirty-fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 76 is an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftforward, showing principal elements of a seat relating to a thirty-sixthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 77 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a thirty-seventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 78 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the thirty-seventhembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 79 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a thirty-eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 80 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing the principal elements of the seat relating to the thirty-eighthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 81 is a perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward,showing a stowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating tothe thirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 82A is a sectional view, viewed from the front end side, showingthe principal elements of the seat relating to the thirty-eighthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 82B is a sectional view, viewed from the front end side, showingthe stowed state of the principal elements of the seat relating to thethirty-eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 83 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the thirty-eighthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 84 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a thirty-ninth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 85A is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principalelements of a seat relating to a fortieth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 85B is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing a stowed state ofthe principal elements of the seat relating to the fortieth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 86 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the fortieth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 87 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a forty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 88 is an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftrearward, showing principal elements of a seat relating to aforty-second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 89 is an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftforward, showing principal elements of a seat relating to a forty-thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 90 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat relating to a forty-fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 91 is a side view, viewed from leftward, showing principal elementsof a seat of an alternative example relating to the forty-fourthembodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elements ofa seat 10 relating to a first embodiment that is structured with a seatstructure of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 shows a side view,viewed from leftward, of the seat 10, and FIG. 3A shows a perspectiveview, viewed from diagonally left forward, of the seat 10. Herein, inthe drawings, frontward of the seat 10 is indicated by arrow FR, andupward of the seat 10 is indicated by arrow UP.

The seat 10 relating to the present embodiment is for a vehicle, and isprovided on a cabin floor surface of the vehicle. The seat 10 is formedas what is known as a back forward-folding stowing type seat.

A seat back 12 is provided at the seat 10. A left-right direction (widthdirection) central portion of the seat back 12 is formed as a back mainportion 12A, which serves as a seat main portion, along with which eachof two left-right direction end portions of the seat back 12 is formedas a back side portion 12B, which serves as a seat side portion. Incomparison with the back main portion 12A, the back side portion 12Bprotrudes to the front side (a face side of the seat back 12).

A back link mechanism 14, which serves as a link mechanism, is providedinside the seat back 12.

At the back link mechanism 14, a board-form back main frame 16 (sideframe) is provided in a pair. The back main frame 16 is disposed insidethe back side portion 12B. A lower end of the back main frame 16 issupported to be tiltable around a tilting center 16A at a vehicle side(a later-described seat cushion 30). Accordingly, the seat back 12 issupported to be tiltable around the tilting center 16A at the vehicleside. A reclining mechanism 18 is provided at a lower end of the backmain frame 16. The reclining mechanism 18 locks tilting of the back mainframe 16 around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seat back 12 isobstructed from tilting around the tilting center 16A, and is stood upsubstantially vertically. By the reclining mechanism 18 beingcontrolled, the reclining mechanism 18 enables tilting of the back mainframe 16 around the tilting center 16A, and tilting of the seat back 12around the tilting center 16A is enabled.

Between the pair of the back main frame 16, a back backrest 20 issupported (see FIG. 4A). The back backrest 20 supports a front sideregion of the back main portion 12A from a rear side.

First links 22, which structure a back flexing component, are turnablyjoined, at rear ends, to the back main frame 16 in a predeterminednumber (two in the present embodiment).

A board-form back sub frame 24, which serves as a back face side frameof the back flexing component, is provided at the front side of the backmain frame 16. Front ends of the first links 22 are turnably joined tothe back sub frame 24, and the back sub frame 24 supports a front sideregion of the back side portion 12B from the rear side.

An upper end of a back joint link 26, which serves as a back jointmechanism, is turnably joined to a lower end of the back sub frame 24 ora front end (anywhere other than a rear end is acceptable) of the firstlink 22 at the lower portion of the back main frame 16. A lower end ofthe back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicle side at a rearside of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offset from thetilting center 16A) at the lower end of the back main frame 16.Accordingly, turning of the first link 22, the back sub frame 24 and theback joint link 26 is locked, and operation of the back link mechanism14 is locked.

The whole of an outer peripheral surface of the seat back 12 is coveredwith a back face skin 28, which serves as a back cover member (see FIG.4A).

The seat cushion 30 is provided at the front side of the seat back 12.The seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side, and is disposed tobe substantially horizontal according to a lower side of the seatcushion 30.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 10 of the structure described above, in a state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the back jointlink 26 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning of thefirst link 22, the back sub frame 24 and the back joint link 26 islocked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is locked.Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the rear side of the back sideportion 12B can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14 (the back subframe 24), and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on theback side portion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back sideportion 12B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, an operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (a turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 10 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 3B).

When the seat 10 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned forward around the lower end. Thus, by movement of theback sub frame 24 which is to say the first links 22 toward the lowerend side of the seat back 12, the first links 22 are turned toward thelower end side of the seat back 12, and a separation between the backmain frame 16 and the back sub frame 24 in a thickness direction of theseat back 12 is contracted (see FIG. 4B). Accordingly, even in a case inwhich a thickness of the back side portion 12B for times of usual use ismade thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 10, the thicknessof the back side portion 12B is contracted in a region at a face siderelative to the back main frame 16 and can be reduced in size to beequal to a thickness of the back main portion 12A, and space (space atthe upper side of the seat 10) in the cabin at times of stowage of theseat 10 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a structure can be formed inwhich the seat 10 is formed as what is known as a tumble-storing type,and after the seat 10 is stowed, support of the seat back 12 and theseat cushion 30 to the vehicle side is released, the seat 10 is turnedsubstantially 90° forward, and thus the seat 10 (the seat back 12 andthe seat cushion 30) is stored to the front side in a state of beingstood up substantially vertically. In this case, because the thicknessof the back side portion 12B has been contracted in accordance withstowing of the seat 10 as described above, space (space at the frontside and rear side of the seat 10) in the cabin at times of storage ofthe seat 10 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, in a case in which a wheelhousing 32 is present to sideward of the seat 10, a structure can beformed in which the seat 10 is formed as what is known as aspace-increasing storage type, and after the seat 10 is stowed, supportof the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 10 is turned substantially 90° to sideward, and thusthe seat 10 (the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored at theupper side of the wheel housing 32 in a state of being stood upsubstantially vertically. In this case, because the thickness of theback side portion 12B has been contracted in accordance with stowing ofthe seat 10 as described above, space (space to sideward of the seat 10)in the cabin at times of storage of the seat 10 (a luggage compartment)can be made larger.

Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, in a case in which arecess portion 34 is present to rearward of the seat 10, a structure canbe formed in which the seat 10 is formed as what is known as a rearwardunder-floor storage type, and after the seat 10 is stowed, support ofthe seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 10 is turned substantially 180° to rearward or ismoved by a turning link or the like, and thus the seat 10 (the seat back12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored substantially horizontally insidethe recess portion 34 in a state in which the seat cushion 30 isdisposed at the upper side of the seat back 12. In this case, becausethe thickness of the back side portion 12B has been contracted inaccordance with stowing of the seat 10 as described above, space (spaceat the upper side of the seat 10) in the cabin at times of storage ofthe seat 10 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger, along with whicha depth of the recess portion 34 can be made shallower.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the rear side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 6, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the front side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 10 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted forwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns forwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back sub frame 24 whichis to say the first links 22 toward the upper end side of the seat back12, the first links 22 are turned toward the upper end side of the seatback 12, and a separation in the seat back 12 thickness directionbetween the back main frame 16 and the back sub frame 24 is contracted.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thetilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) and thelower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 do not move whenthe seat 10 is being stowed. However, a structure may be formed in whichthe tilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) andthe lower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 are moved whenthe seat 10 is being stowed. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG.7A, a lower end of a front support link 36 at a front side and a lowerend of a rear support link 38 at a rear side are turnably supported atthe vehicle side. The lower end of the back main frame 16 is supportedto be turnable around the tilting center 16A at an upper end of thefront support link 36, along with which the lower end of the back mainframe 16 is turnably supported at the upper end of the rear support link38, at the rear side of the tilting center 16A. Turning of the back mainframe 16 relative to the front support link 36 is locked by thereclining mechanism 18. Accordingly, turning of the back main frame 16,the front support link 36 and the rear support link 38 is locked.Further, one end of an intermediate link 38A is non-turnably joined toan upper end of the rear support link 38, and another end of theintermediate link 38A is turnably joined to the lower end of the backjoint link 26. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the recliningmechanism 18 is controlled and the seat 10 is being stowed, the frontsupport link 36, the rear support link 38 and the intermediate link 38Aturn rearward, and the tilting center 16A of the back main frame 16 andthe lower end of the back joint link 26 move rearward. Further, in thiscase too, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the thickness of the back sideportion 12B is contracted in the region at the face side relative to theback main frame 16 at times of stowage of the seat 10, and can be madeequal to the thickness of the back main portion 12A.

Further yet, in the present embodiment, a structure may be formed inwhich the seat 10 is formed as what is known as a tilt-down stowage typeand, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the seat 10 is being stowed, the seatcushion 30 moves downward and forward in accordance with tilting of theseat back 12 forward around the tilting center 16A, or a structure inwhich, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the seat 10 is being stowed, the seatcushion 30 moves downward and rearward in accordance with tilting of theseat back 12 forward around the tilting center 16A.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which theseat back 12 is folded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30 andthe seat 10 is stowed. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the seat 10 may beformed with a structure which is known as double-folded stowing. In thiscase, support of the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side is released,the seat cushion 30 is turned forward, and thus the seat cushion 30 isstood up substantially vertically. Then, the reclining mechanism 18 iscontrolled, the seat back 12 turns forward around the back main frame16, and thus the seat back 12 is disposed substantially horizontally atthe rear side of the seat cushion 30 and stowed. Further, as shown inFIG. 11, the seat 10 may be formed with a structure which is known asdouble-flat stowing. In this case, support of the seat cushion 30 to thevehicle side is released, the seat cushion 30 is turned forward, andthus the seat cushion 30 is inverted to be substantially horizontal.Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back 12 turnsforward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seat back 12 isdisposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of the seat cushion30 and stowed. Further, in either of the cases of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11,the thickness of the back side portion 12B is contracted in accordancewith stowing of the seat 10 in the same manner as described above.Therefore, space (space at the upper side of the seat back 12) in thecabin at times of stowage of the seat 10 (a luggage compartment) can bemade larger, along with which interference of the seat back 12 with thecabin floor surface can be suppressed.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 12 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 40 relating to a second embodiment that is structured with theseat structure of the present invention.

The seat 40 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described first embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

In the seat 40 relating to the present embodiment, a circular rod-shapedcontrol lever 42, which serves as a control mechanism, is joined to therear end (turning center) of one of the first links 22 at the back mainframe 16. The control lever 42 is formed as a regulator or the like. Aturn-locking mechanism (not shown) which serves as a locking mechanismis provided at the control lever 42. Turning of the control lever 42 isobstructed by the turn-locking mechanism, and thus turning of the firstlinks 22 and the back sub frame 24 is locked, and operation of the backlink mechanism 14 is restricted. The control lever 42 protrudes tosideward of the seat back 12, and by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the first links 22 are made turnable.

Further, the back joint link 26 of the above-described first embodimentis not provided in the present embodiment.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 40 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, turning of the control lever 42 isobstructed by the turn-locking mechanism. Thus, turning of the firstlinks 22 and the back sub frame 24 is locked, and operation of the backlink mechanism 14 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity fromthe rear side of the back side portion 12B can be enhanced by the backlink mechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the back side portion 12B from a crewsitting in the seat 40, the back side portion 12B can thoroughly retainthe crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the first links 22 are turned, and the separationin the seat back 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16and the back sub frame 24 is flexed. Accordingly, independently ofstowing of the seat 40, the thickness of the back side portion 12B isflexed in the region at the face side relative to the back main frame16, and can be adjusted.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 50 relating to a third embodiment that is structured with theseat structure of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows a side view,viewed from leftward, of the seat 50.

The seat 50 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described first embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

The seat 50 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to thevehicle side at the upper side of the tilting center 16A (a positionwhich is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lower end of theback main frame 16.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described first embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 50 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 50 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned rearward around the lower end. Thus, by movement ofthe back sub frame 24 which is to say the first links 22 toward thelower end side of the seat back 12, the first links 22 are turned towardthe lower end side of the seat back 12, and the separation in the seatback 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and the backsub frame 24 is contracted. Accordingly, even in a case in which athickness of the back side portion 12B for times of usual use is madethicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 50, the thickness of theback side portion 12B is contracted in the region at the face siderelative to the back main frame 16 and can be made equal to thethickness of the back main portion 12A, and space (space at the upperside of the seat back 12) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat50 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, in a case in which the wheelhousing 32 is present to sideward of the seat 50, a structure can beformed in which the seat 50 is formed as what is known as aspace-increasing storage type, and after the seat 50 is stowed, supportof the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 50 is turned substantially 90° to sideward, and thusthe seat 50 (the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored at theupper side of the wheel housing 32 in a state of being stood upsubstantially vertically. In this case, because the thickness of theback side portion 12B has been contracted in accordance with stowing ofthe seat 50 as described above, space (space to sideward of the seat 50)in the cabin at times of storage of the seat 50 (a luggage compartment)can be made larger.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the upper side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 16, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the lower side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 50 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns rearwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back sub frame 24 whichis to say the first links 22 toward the upper end side of the seat back12, the first links 22 are turned toward the upper end side of the seatback 12, and a separation in the seat back 12 thickness directionbetween the back main frame 16 and the back sub frame 24 is contracted.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 17 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of a seat 60 relatingto a fourth embodiment that is structured with the seat structure of thepresent invention.

The seat 60 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described first embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

The seat 60 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

At both a left and a right end portion, a rear end vicinity of the seatcushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side to be turnable around asupport shaft 62. Accordingly, the seat cushion 30 is supported at thevehicle side to be turnable around the support shaft 62. A rear end ofthe seat cushion 30 abuts against the lower end of the seat back 12, andaccordingly the seat cushion 30 is disposed substantially horizontally.

The back joint link 26 is formed in a letter-L shape. An upper end ofthe back joint link 26 is turnably supported at the lower end of theback sub frame 24 or the front end (anywhere other than the rear end isacceptable) of the first link 22 at the lower portion of the back mainframe 16. The lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined tothe rear end of the seat cushion 30 (at a position which is offset tothe rear side from the support shaft 62). Accordingly, turning of thefirst links 22, the back sub frame 24 and the back joint link 26 islocked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is locked.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 60 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18 and the rear end of the seatcushion 30 is abutted against the lower end of the seat back 12, thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the rear endof the seat cushion 30. Thus, turning of the first links 22, the backsub frame 24 and the back joint link 26 is locked, and operation of theback link mechanism 14 is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity fromthe rear side of the back side portion 12B can be enhanced by the backlink mechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the back side portion 12B from a crewsitting in the seat 60, the back side portion 12B can thoroughly retainthe crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

Further, by the seat cushion 30 being turned rearward around the supportshaft 62 (which is known as tipping up), the seat cushion 30 is foldedup onto the front side of the seat back 12, and the seat 60 is stowed.

When the seat 60 is being stowed, the seat cushion 30 is tilted rearwardaround the support shaft 62, and the back joint link 26 is moveddownward. Thus, by movement of the back sub frame 24 which is to say thefirst links 22 downward, the first links 22 are turned downward, and aseparation in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the back mainframe 16 and the back sub frame 24 is contracted. Accordingly, even in acase in which a thickness of the back side portion 12B for times ofusual use is made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 60,the thickness of the back side portion 12B is contracted in the regionat the face side relative to the back main frame 16 and can be madeequal to the thickness of the back main portion 12A, and space (space atthe front side and rear side of the seat 60) in the cabin at times ofstowage of the seat 60 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, similarly to FIG. 5A, a structure can be formed inwhich the seat 60 is formed as what is known as a tumble-storing type,and after the seat 60 is stowed, support to the vehicle side of the seatback 12 and the seat cushion 30 is released, the seat 60 is turnedsubstantially 180″ forward, and thus the seat 60 (the seat back 12 andthe seat cushion 30) is stored to the front side in a state of beingstood up substantially vertically. In this case, because the thicknessof the back side portion 12B has been contracted in accordance withstowing of the seat 60 as described above, space (space at the frontside and rear side of the seat 60) in the cabin at times of storage ofthe seat 60 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, similarly to FIG. 5B, in a case in which the wheelhousing 32 is present to sideward of the seat 60, a structure can beformed in which the seat 60 is formed as what is known as aspace-increasing storage type, and after the seat 60 is stowed, supportof the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 60 is turned substantially 90° to forward andsideward, and thus the seat 60 (the seat back 12 and the seat cushion30) is stored at the upper side of the wheel housing 32 in a state ofbeing stood up substantially vertically. In this case, because thethickness of the back side portion 12B has been contracted in accordancewith stowing of the seat 60 as described above, space (space to sidewardof the seat 60) in the cabin at times of storage of the seat 60 (aluggage compartment) can be made larger.

Moreover, for example, similarly to FIG. 5C, in a case in which therecess portion 34 is present to rearward of the seat 60, a structure canbe formed in which the seat 60 is formed as what is known as a rearwardunder-floor storage type, and after the seat 60 is stowed, support ofthe seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 60 is turned substantially 90° to rearward or ismoved by a turning link or the like, and thus the seat 60 (the seat back12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored substantially horizontally in therecess portion 34 in a state in which the seat cushion 30 is disposed atthe upper side of the seat back 12. In this case, because the thicknessof the back side portion 12B has been contracted in accordance withstowing of the seat 60 as described above, space (space at the upperside of the seat 60) in the cabin at times of storage of the seat 60 (aluggage compartment) can be made larger, along with which a depth of therecess portion 34 can be made shallower.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 18A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 70 relating to a fifth embodiment that is structured with theseat structure of the present invention. FIG. 19A shows a sectionalview, viewed from upward, of the principal elements of the seat 70.

The seat 70 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described first embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

In the seat 70 relating to the present embodiment, the back backrest 20structures the back face side frame of the back flexing component, and apredetermined number of the first links 22 are turnably joined, at frontends, to both a left and a right end portion of the back backrest 20.

At both the left and the right end portion of the back backrest 20, aplurality (two in the present embodiment) of second links 72, whichstructure the back flexing component, are turnably joined at rear ends.

The back sub frame 24 structures a back face frame of the back flexingcomponent, and is disposed at the front side of the back backrest 20.Front ends of the second links 72 are turnably joined to the back subframe 24.

The upper end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to a lowerend of the back backrest 20 or the front end (anywhere other than therear end is acceptable) of the first link 22 at the lower portion of theback main frame 16. Accordingly, turning of the first links 22, the backbackrest 20 and the back joint link 26 is locked, and operation of theback link mechanism 14 is locked. Further, a rear end of a third link74, which structures the back flexing component, is turnably joined tothe back main frame 16, along with which a front end of the third link74 is turnably joined to the back sub frame 24 or a position of thesecond links 72 other than the rear ends (turning centers). Accordingly,turning of the back sub frame 24, the second links 72 and the third link74 is locked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is locked.Therefore, operation of the back link mechanism 14 is locked.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 70 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the back jointlink 26 is turnably joined to the vehicle side (the seat cushion 30).Thus, turning of the first links 22, the back backrest 20, the backjoint link 26, the back sub frame 24, the second links 72 and the thirdlink 74 is locked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 islocked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the rear side of the backside portion 12B can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14 (the backsub frame 24), and even when a load in the left-right direction acts onthe back side portion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 70, the backside portion 12B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 70 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 18B).

When the seat 70 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned forward around the lower end. Thus, by movement of theback backrest 20 which is to say the first links 22 toward the lower endside of the seat back 12, the first links 22 and the second links 72 areturned toward the lower end side of the seat back 12, and a separationin the seat back 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16and the back backrest 20 is contracted, along with which a separation inthe seat back 12 thickness direction between the back backrest 20 andthe back sub frame 24 is contracted (see FIG. 19B). Accordingly, even ina case in which the thickness of the back side portion 12B for times ofusual use is made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 70,thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the back main portion 12Aare contracted in the region at the face side relative to the back mainframe 16 and can be made equal, and space (space at the upper side ofthe seat 70) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 70 (a luggagecompartment) can be made larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described first embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the rear side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 20A, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the front side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 70 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted forwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns forwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back backrest 20 which isto say the first links 22 toward the upper end side of the seat back 12,the first links 22 and the second links 72 are turned toward the upperend side of the seat back 12, and the separation in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and the back backrest20 is contracted, along with which the separation in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back backrest 20 and the back sub frame24 is contracted (see FIG. 20B).

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thetilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) and thelower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 do not move whenthe seat 70 is being stowed. However, a structure may be formed in whichthe tilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) andthe lower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 are moved (forexample, movement to the rear side) when the seat 70 is being stowed, ina similar manner to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure may be formed in whichthe seat 70 is formed as what is known as a tilt-down stowage type,similarly to the above-described first embodiment (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which theseat back 12 is folded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30 andthe seat 70 is stowed. However, similarly to the above-described firstembodiment, the seat 70 may be formed with a structure which is known asdouble-folded stowing (see FIG. 10), or the seat 70 may be formed with astructure which is known as double-flat stowing (see FIG. 11).

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 21 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 80 relating to a sixth embodiment that is structured with theseat structure of the present invention.

The seat 80 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described fifth embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

In the seat 80 relating to the present embodiment, the circularrod-shaped control lever 42, which serves as the control mechanism, isjoined to the rear end (turning center) of one of the first links 22 atthe back main frame 16. The control lever 42 is formed as a dial-typeregulator or the like. A turn-locking mechanism (not shown), whichserves as a locking mechanism, is provided at the control lever 42.Turning of the control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-lockingmechanism, and thus turning of the first links 22, the back backrest 20,the second links 72, the back sub frame 24 and the third link 74 islocked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is locked. Thecontrol lever 42 protrudes to sideward of the seat back 12, and by thecontrol lever 42 being turningly controlled, the first links 22 are madeturnable.

Further, the back joint link 26 of the above-described fifth embodimentis not provided in the present embodiment.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 80 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, turning of the control lever 42 isobstructed by the turn-locking mechanism. Thus, turning of the firstlinks 22, the back backrest 20, the second links 72, the back sub frame24 and the third link 74 is locked, and operation of the back linkmechanism 14 is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the rearside of the back side portion 12B can be enhanced by the back linkmechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the back side portion 12B from a crewsitting in the seat 80, the back side portion 12B can thoroughly retainthe crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the first links 22 are turned and the separationin the seat back 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16and the back backrest 20 is flexed, along with which the second links 72are turned and the separation in the seat back 12 thickness directionbetween the back backrest 20 and the back sub frame 24 is flexed.Accordingly, independently of stowing of the seat 80, thicknesses of theback side portion 12B and the back main portion 12A are flexed in theregion at the face side relative to the back main frame 16, and can beadjusted.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 22 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 90 relating to a seventh embodiment that is structured withthe seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 90 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described fifth embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

The seat 90 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to thevehicle side at the upper side of the tilting center 16A (a positionwhich is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lower end of theback main frame 16.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described fifth embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 90 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 90 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned rearward around the lower end. Thus, by movement ofthe back backrest 20 which is to say the first links 22 toward the lowerend side of the seat back 12, the first links 22 and the second links 72are turned toward the lower end side of the seat back 12, and theseparation in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the back mainframe 16 and the back backrest 20 is contracted, along with which theseparation in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the backbackrest 20 and the back sub frame 24 is contracted. Accordingly, evenin a case in which the thickness of the back side portion 12B for timesof usual use is made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 90,the thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the back main portion12A are contracted in the region at the face side relative to the backmain frame 16 and can be made equal, and space (space at the upper sideof the seat back 12) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 90 (aluggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the third embodiment, a structure can be formed inwhich the seat 90 is formed as what is known as a space-increasingstorage type (see FIG. 15).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the upper side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 23, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the lower side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 90 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns rearwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back backrest 20 which isto say the first links 22 toward the upper end side of the seat back 12,the first links 22 and the second links 72 are turned toward the upperend side of the seat back 12, and the separation in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and the back backrest20 is contracted, along with which the separation in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back backrest 20 and the back sub frame24 is contracted.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 24 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of a seat 100 relatingto an eighth embodiment that is structured with the seat structure ofthe present invention.

The seat 100 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described fifth embodiment (see FIG.18A), but differs in the following respects.

The seat 100 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

The rear end vicinity of the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside to be turnable around the support shaft 62, at both the left andthe right end portion. Accordingly, the seat cushion 30 is supported atthe vehicle side to be turnable around the support shaft 62. The rearend of the seat cushion 30 abuts against the lower end of the seat back12, and accordingly the seat cushion 30 is disposed substantiallyhorizontally.

The back joint link 26 is formed in the letter-L shape. The upper end ofthe back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the lower end of the backbackrest 20 or the front end (anywhere other than the rear end isacceptable) of the first link 22 at the lower portion of the back mainframe 16. The lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined tothe rear end of the seat cushion 30 (at a position which is offset tothe rear side from the support shaft 62). Accordingly, turning of thefirst links 22, the back backrest 20, the back joint link 26, the secondlinks 72, the back sub frame 24 and the third link 74 is locked, andoperation of the back link mechanism 14 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 100 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18 and the rear end of the seatcushion 30 is abutted against the lower end of the seat back 12, thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the rear endof the seat cushion 30. Thus, turning of the first links 22, the backbackrest 20, the back joint link 26, the second links 72, the back subframe 24 and the third link 74 is locked, and operation of the back linkmechanism 14 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from therear side of the back side portion 12B can be enhanced by the back linkmechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the back side portion 12B from a crewsitting in the seat 100, the back side portion 12B can thoroughly retainthe crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

Further, by the seat cushion 30 being turned rearward around the supportshaft 62 (which is known as tipping up), the seat cushion 30 is foldedup onto the front side of the seat back 12, and the seat 100 is stowed.

When the seat 100 is being stowed, the seat cushion 30 is tiltedrearward around the support shaft 62, and the back joint link 26 ismoved downward. Thus, by movement of the back backrest 20 which is tosay the first links 22 downward, the first links 22 and the second links72 are turned toward the lower end side, and the separation in the seatback 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and the backbackrest 20 is contracted, along with which the separation in the seatback 12 thickness direction between the back backrest 20 and the backsub frame 24 is contracted. Accordingly, even in a case in which thethickness of the back side portion 12B for times of usual use is madethicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 100, the thicknesses ofthe back side portion 12B and the back main portion 12A are contractedin the region at the face side relative to the back main frame 16 andcan be made equal, and space (space at the front side and rear side ofthe seat 100) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 100 (aluggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described fourth embodiment, this canhave a structure in which the seat 100 is formed as what is known as atumble-storing type (see FIG. 5A), a structure in which the seat 100 isformed as what is known as a space-increasing storage type (see FIG.5B), or a structure in which the seat 100 is formed as what is known asa rearward under-floor storage type (see FIG. 5C).

Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 25 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 110 relating to a ninth embodiment that is structured with theseat structure of the present invention.

The seat 110 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described first embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

In the seat 110 relating to the present embodiment, The first links 22are provided extending rearward, and the first links 22 are turnablyjoined to the back main frame 16 at intermediate portions.

Inside the seat back 12, at the rear side of the back main frame 16, aboard-form back frame 112 is provided, which serves as a back reverseside frame of the back flexing component. The back frame 112 is turnablyjoined to the rear ends of the first links 22. Furthermore, the backframe 112 is covered with the back face skin 28 and accommodated, andtherefore appearance of the seat back 12 is improved.

The upper end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the lowerend of the back sub frame 24, the first link 22 at the lower portion ofthe back main frame 16 (anywhere other than a position of joining to theback main frame 16 is acceptable), or a lower end of the back frame 112.Accordingly, turning of the first links 22, the back sub frame 24, theback frame 112 and the back joint link 26 is locked, and operation ofthe back link mechanism 14 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 110 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the back jointlink 26 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning of thefirst links 22, the back sub frame 24, the back frame 112 and the backjoint link 26 is locked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 isrestricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the rear side of theback side portion 12B can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14 (theback sub frame 24), and even when a load in the left-right directionacts on the back side portion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 110,the back side portion 12B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 110 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing).

When the seat 110 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned forward around the lower end. Thus, by movement of theback sub frame 24 and the first links 22 or the back frame 112 towardthe lower end side of the seat back 12, the first links 22 are turned,and separations in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the backmain frame 16 and the back sub frame 24 and the back frame 112 arecontracted. Accordingly, even in a case in which the thicknesses of theback side portion 12B and the back main portion 12A for times of usualuse are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 110, thethickness of the back side portion 12B is contracted in the region atthe face side relative to the back main frame 16, along with which thethicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the back main portion 12Aare contracted in a region at the reverse side relative to the back mainframe 16, the thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the back mainportion 12A can be made equal, and space (space at the upper side of theseat 110) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 110 (a luggagecompartment) can be made larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described first embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, the back frame 112 is provided insidethe seat back 12 and has a structure which is turnably joined to therear ends of the first links 22. However, as shown in FIG. 26A, the backframe 112 may have a structure that is formed in a character-Π shape incross-section (a back board) and provided outside a rear side of theseat back 12. In this case, compression coil springs 114 span acrossbetween the back backrest 20 and the back frame 112. Thus, the backframe 112 is abutted against the rear ends of the first links 22 byurging force of the compression coil springs 114 and is turnably joined.Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26B, when the seat 110 is being stowed, thefirst links 22 are turned, and a separation in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and the back frame112 is contracted by the urging force of the compression coil springs114. Further, in this case, the whole of an outer peripheral surface ofthe back frame 112 may be covered with an additional back face skin (notshown) which serves as the back cover member similarly to the back faceskin 28. Accordingly, appearance of the seat back 12 can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the front side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 27, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the front side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 110 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted forwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns forwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back frame 112 and theback sub frame 24 or the first links 22 toward the upper end side of theseat back 12, the first links 22 are turned, and the separations in theseat back 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and theback sub frame 24 and the back frame 112 of the seat back 12 arecontracted.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thetilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) and thelower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 do not move whenthe seat 110 is being stowed. However, a structure may be formed inwhich the tilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) and the lower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 aremoved (for example, movement to rearward) when the seat 110 is beingstowed, in a similar manner to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Further yet, in the present embodiment, a structure may be formed inwhich the seat 110 is formed as what is known as a tilt-down stowagetype, similarly to the above-described first embodiment (see FIGS. 9Aand 9B).

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which theseat back 12 is folded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30 andthe seat 110 is stowed. However, similarly to the above-described firstembodiment, the seat 110 may be formed with a structure which is knownas double-folded stowing (see FIG. 10), or the seat 110 may be formedwith a structure which is known as double-flat stowing (see FIG. 11).

Tenth Embodiment

FIG. 28 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 120 relating to a tenth embodiment that is structured with theseat structure of the present invention.

The seat 120 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described ninth embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

In the seat 120 relating to the present embodiment, the circularrod-shaped control lever 42, which serves as the control mechanism, isengaged with an intermediate portion (turning center) of one of thefirst links 22 at the back main frame 16. The control lever 42 is formedas a dial-type regulator or the like. A turn-locking mechanism (notshown) which serves as the locking mechanism is provided at the controllever 42. Turning of the control lever 42 is obstructed by theturn-locking mechanism, and thus turning of the first links 22, the backsub frame 24 and the back frame 112 is locked, and operation of the backlink mechanism 14 is locked. The control lever 42 protrudes to sidewardof the seat back 12, and by the control lever 42 being turninglycontrolled, the first links 22 are made turnable.

Further, the back joint link 26 of the above-described ninth embodimentis not provided in the present embodiment.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 120 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, turning of the control lever 42 isobstructed by the turn-locking mechanism. Thus, turning of the firstlinks 22, the back sub frame 24 and the back frame 112 is locked, andoperation of the back link mechanism 14 is restricted. Therefore, asupporting rigidity from the rear side of the back side portion 12B canbe enhanced by the back link mechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 120, the back side portion12B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the first links 22 are turned and the separationsin the seat back 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16and the back sub frame 24 and the back frame 112 are flexed.Accordingly, independently of stowing of the seat 120, the thickness ofthe back side portion 12B is flexed in the region at the face siderelative to the back main frame 16, along with which the thicknesses ofthe back side portion 12B and the back main portion 12A are flexed inthe region at the reverse side relative to the back main frame 16, andthicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the back main portion 12Acan be adjusted.

Eleventh Embodiment

FIG. 29 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 130 relating to an eleventh embodiment that is structured withthe seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 130 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described ninth embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

The seat 130 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to thevehicle side at the upper side of the tilting center 16A (a positionwhich is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lower end of theback main frame 16.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described ninth embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 130 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 130 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned rearward around the lower end. Thus, by movement ofthe back sub frame 24 and the first links 22 or the back frame 112toward the lower end side of the seat back 12, the first links 22 areturned, and the separations in the seat back 12 thickness directionbetween the back main frame 16 and the back sub frame 24 and the backframe 112 are contracted. Accordingly, even in a case in which thethicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the back main portion 12Afor times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing ofthe seat 130, the thickness of the back side portion 12B is contractedin the region at the face side relative to the back main frame 16, alongwith which the thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the backmain portion 12A are contracted in the region at the reverse siderelative to the back main frame 16, thicknesses of the back side portion12B and the back main portion 12A can be made equal, and space (space atthe upper side of the seat back 12) in the cabin at times of stowage ofthe seat 130 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the third embodiment, a structure can be formed inwhich the seat 130 is formed as what is known as a space-increasingstorage type (see FIG. 15).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the upper side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 30, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the lower side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 130 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns rearwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back sub frame 24 and thefirst links 22 or the back frame 112 toward the upper end side of theseat back 12, the first links 22 are turned, and the separations in theseat back 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and theback sub frame 24 and the back frame 112 are contracted.

Twelfth Embodiment

FIG. 31 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of a seat 140 relatingto a twelfth embodiment that is structured with the seat structure ofthe present invention.

The seat 140 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described ninth embodiment (see FIG. 25),but differs in the following respects.

The seat 140 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

The rear end vicinity of the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside to be turnable around the support shaft 62, at both the left andthe right end portion. Accordingly, the seat cushion 30 is supported atthe vehicle side to be turnable around the support shaft 62. The rearend of the seat cushion 30 abuts against the lower end of the seat back12, and accordingly the seat cushion 30 is disposed substantiallyhorizontally.

The back joint link 26 is formed in the letter-L shape. The upper end ofthe back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the lower end of the backsub frame 24, the first link 22 at the lower portion of the back mainframe 16 (anywhere other than the position of joining to the back mainframe 16 is acceptable), or the lower end of the back frame 112. Thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the rear endof the seat cushion 30 (at a position which is offset to the rear sidefrom the support shaft 62). Accordingly, turning of the first links 22,the back sub frame 24, the back frame 112 and the back joint link 26 islocked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 140 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18 and the rear end of the seatcushion 30 is abutted against the lower end of the seat back 12, thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the rear endof the seat cushion 30. Thus, turning of the first links 22, the backsub frame 24, the back frame 112 and the back joint link 26 is locked,and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is restricted. Therefore, asupporting rigidity from the rear side of the back side portion 12B canbe enhanced by the back link mechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 140, the back side portion12B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

Further, by the seat cushion 30 being turned rearward around the supportshaft 62 (known as tipping up), the seat cushion 30 is folded up ontothe front side of the seat back 12, and the seat 140 is stowed.

When the seat 140 is being stowed, the seat cushion 30 is tiltedrearward around the support shaft 62, and the back joint link 26 ismoved downward. Thus, by movement of the back sub frame 24 and the firstlinks 22 or the back frame 112 downward, the first links 22 are turned,and the separations in the seat back 12 thickness direction between theback main frame 16 and the back sub frame 24 and the back frame 112 arecontracted. Accordingly, even in a case in which the thickness of theback side portion 12B for times of usual use is made thicker, inaccordance with stowing of the seat 140, the thickness of the back sideportion 12B is contracted in the region at the face side relative to theback main frame 16, along with which the thicknesses of the back sideportion 12B and the back main portion 12A are contracted in the regionat the rear side relative to the back main frame 16, the thicknesses ofthe back side portion 12B and the back main portion 12A can be madeequal, and space (space at the front side and rear side of the seat 100)in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 140 (a luggage compartment)can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described fourth embodiment, this canhave a structure in which the seat 140 is formed as what is known as atumble-storing type (see FIG. 5A), a structure in which the seat 140 isformed as what is known as a space-increasing storage type (see FIG.5B), or a structure in which the seat 140 is formed as what is known asa rearward under-floor storage type (see FIG. 5C).

Thirteenth Embodiment

FIG. 32A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 150 relating to a thirteenth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 33A shows asectional view, viewed from above, of the principal elements of the seat150.

The seat 150 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described fifth embodiment, but differsin the following respects.

In the seat 150 relating to the present embodiment, The first links 22are provided extending rearward, and the first links 22 are turnablyjoined to the back main frame 16 at intermediate portions.

Inside the seat back 12, at the rear side of the back main frame 16, theboard-form back frame 112 which serves as the back reverse side frame ofthe back flexing component is provided. The back frame 112 is turnablyjoined to the rear ends of the first links 22. Further, the back frame112 is covered with the back face skin 28 and accommodated, andtherefore appearance of the seat back 12 is improved.

The upper end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the lowerend of the back backrest 20, the first link 22 at the lower portion ofthe back main frame 16 (anywhere other than a position of joining to theback main frame 16 is acceptable), or the lower end of the back frame112. Accordingly, turning of the first links 22, the back backrest 20,the back frame 112, the back joint link 26, the second links 72, theback sub frame 24 and the third link 74 is locked, and operation of theback link mechanism 14 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 150 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the back jointlink 26 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning of thefirst links 22, the back backrest 20, the back frame 112, the back jointlink 26, the second links 72, the back sub frame 24 and the third link74 is locked, and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is restricted.Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the rear side of the back sideportion 12B can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14 (the back subframe 24), and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on theback side portion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 150, the back sideportion 12B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 150 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 32B).

When the seat 150 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned forward around the lower end. Thus, by movement of theback backrest 20 and the first links 22 or the back frame 112 toward thelower end side of the seat back 12, the first links 22 and the secondlinks 72 are turned, and separations in the seat back 12 thicknessdirection between the back main frame 16 and the back backrest 20 andthe back frame 112 are contracted (see FIG. 33B). Accordingly, even in acase in which the thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the backmain portion 12A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordancewith stowing of the seat 150, the thicknesses of the back side portion12B and the back main portion 12A are contracted in the region at theface side and the region at the reverse side relative to the back mainframe 16 and can be made equal, and space (space at the upper side ofthe seat 150) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 150 (aluggage compartment) can be made larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described fifth embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the rear side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 34A, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the front side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 150 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted forwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns forwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back backrest 20 and thefirst links 22 or the back frame 112 toward the upper end side of theseat back 12, the first links 22 and the second links 72 are turned, andthe separations in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the backmain frame 16 and the back backrest 20 and the back frame 112 arecontracted, along with which a separation in the seat back 12 thicknessdirection between the back backrest 20 and the back sub frame 24 iscontracted (see FIG. 34B).

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thetilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) and thelower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 do not move whenthe seat 150 is being stowed. However, a structure may be formed inwhich the tilting center 16A of the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) and the lower end (turning center) of the back joint link 26 aremoved (for example, movement rearward) when the seat 150 is beingstowed, in a similar manner to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

Further yet, in the present embodiment, a structure may be formed inwhich the seat 150 is formed as what is known as a tilt-down stowagetype, similarly to the above-described first embodiment (see FIGS. 9Aand 9B).

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which theseat back 12 is folded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30 andthe seat 150 is stowed. However, similarly to the above-described firstembodiment, the seat 150 may be formed with a structure which is knownas double-folded stowing (see FIG. 10), or the seat 110 may be formedwith a structure which is known as double-flat stowing (see FIG. 11).

Fourteenth Embodiment

FIG. 35 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 160 relating to a fourteenth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 160 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirteenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 160 relating to the present embodiment, the circularrod-shaped control lever 42, which serves as the control mechanism, isengaged with an intermediate portion (turning center) of one of thefirst links 22 at the back main frame 16. The control lever 42 is formedas a dial-type regulator or the like. A turn-locking mechanism (notshown) which serves as the locking mechanism is provided at the controllever 42. Turning of the control lever 42 is obstructed by theturn-locking mechanism, and thus turning of the first links 22, the backbackrest 20, the back frame 112, the second links 72, the back sub frame24 and the third link 74 is locked, and operation of the back linkmechanism 14 is restricted. The control lever 42 protrudes to sidewardof the seat back 12, and by the control lever 42 being turninglycontrolled, the first links 22 are made turnable.

Further, the back joint link 26 of the above-described thirteenthembodiment is not provided in the present embodiment.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 160 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, turning of the control lever 42 isobstructed by the turn-locking mechanism. Thus, turning of the firstlinks 22, the back backrest 20, the back frame 112, the second links 72,the back sub frame 24 and the third link 74 is locked, and operation ofthe back link mechanism 14 is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidityfrom the rear side of the back side portion 12B can be enhanced by theback link mechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), and even when a load inthe left-right direction acts on the back side portion 12B from a crewsitting in the seat 160, the back side portion 12B can thoroughly retainthe crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the first links 22 are turned and the separationsin the seat back 12 thickness direction between the back main frame 16and the back backrest 20 and the back frame 112 are flexed, along withwhich the second links 72 are turned and a separation in the seat back12 thickness direction between the back backrest 20 and the back subframe 24 is flexed. Accordingly, independently of stowing of the seat160, the thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and the back mainportion 12A are flexed in the region at the front side and region at thereverse side relative to the back main frame 16, and can be adjusted.

Fifteenth Embodiment

FIG. 36 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 170 relating to a fifteenth embodiment that is structured withthe seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 170 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirteenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 170 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to thevehicle side at the upper side of the tilting center 16A (a positionwhich is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lower end of theback main frame 16.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described thirteenth embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 170 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 170 is being stowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame16) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the back jointlink 26 is turned rearward around the lower end. Thus, by movement ofthe back backrest 20 and the first links 22 or the back frame 112 towardthe lower end side of the seat back 12, the first links 22 and thesecond links 72 are turned, and the separations in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and the back backrest20 and the back frame 112 are contracted, along with which theseparation in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the backbackrest 20 and the back sub frame 24 is contracted. Accordingly, evenin a case in which the thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and theback main portion 12A for times of usual use are made thicker, inaccordance with stowing of the seat 170, the thicknesses of the backside portion 12B and the back main portion 12A are contracted in theregion at the face side and region at the reverse side relative to theback main frame 16 and can be made equal, and space (space at the upperside of the seat back 12) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat170 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the third embodiment, a structure can be formed inwhich the seat 170 is formed as what is known as a space-increasingstorage type (see FIG. 15).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the vehicleside at the upper side of the tilting center 16A at the lower end of theback main frame 16. However, as shown in FIG. 37, a structure may beformed in which the lower end of the back joint link 26 is turnablyjoined to the vehicle side at the lower side of the tilting center 16A(a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A) at the lowerend of the back main frame 16. In this case, when the seat 170 is beingstowed, the seat back 12 (the back main frame 16) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the back joint link 26 turns rearwardaround the lower end. Thus, by movement of the back backrest 20 and thefirst links 22 or the back frame 112 toward the upper end side of theseat back 12, the first links 22 and the second links 72 are turned, andthe separations in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the backmain frame 16 and the back backrest 20 and the back frame 112 arecontracted, along with which the separation in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back backrest 20 and the back sub frame24 is contracted.

Sixteenth Embodiment

FIG. 38 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of a seat 180 relatingto a sixteenth embodiment that is structured with the seat structure ofthe present invention.

The seat 180 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirteenth embodiment (see FIG.32A), but differs in the following respects.

The seat 180 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

The rear end vicinity of the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside to be turnable around the support shaft 62, at both the left andthe right end portion. Accordingly, the seat cushion 30 is supported atthe vehicle side to be turnable around the support shaft 62. The rearend of the seat cushion 30 abuts against the lower end of the seat back12, and accordingly the seat cushion 30 is disposed substantiallyhorizontally.

The back joint link 26 is formed in the letter-L shape. The upper end ofthe back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the lower end of the backbackrest 20, the first link 22 at the lower portion of the back mainframe 16 (anywhere other than the position of joining to the back mainframe 16 is acceptable), or the lower end of the back frame 112. Thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the rear endof the seat cushion 30 (at a position which is offset to the rear sidefrom the support shaft 62). Accordingly, turning of the first links 22,the back backrest 20, the back frame 112, the back joint link 26, thesecond links 72, the back sub frame 24 and the third link 74 is locked,and operation of the back link mechanism 14 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 180 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18 and the rear end of the seatcushion 30 is abutted against the lower end of the seat back 12, thelower end of the back joint link 26 is turnably joined to the rear endof the seat cushion 30. Thus, turning of the first links 22, the backbackrest 20, the back frame 112, the back joint link 26, the secondlinks 72, the back sub frame 24 and the third link 74 is locked, andoperation of the back link mechanism 14 is restricted. Therefore, asupporting rigidity from the rear side of the back side portion 12B canbe enhanced by the back link mechanism 14 (the back sub frame 24), andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 180, the back side portion12B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the back link mechanism 14 (the turningplane of the back sub frame 24) is made perpendicular to the left-rightdirection of the seat back 12. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of theback side portion 12B with respect to a load in the left-right directionof the seat back 12 can be enhanced by the back link mechanism 14, andeven when a load in the left-right direction acts on the back sideportion 12B from a crew sitting in the seat 10, the back side portion12B can even more thoroughly retain the crew.

Further, by the seat cushion 30 being turned rearward around the supportshaft 62 (known as tipping up), the seat cushion 30 is folded up ontothe front side of the seat back 12, and the seat 180 is stowed.

When the seat 180 is being stowed, the seat cushion 30 is tiltedrearward around the support shaft 62, and the back joint link 26 ismoved downward. Thus, by movement of the back backrest 20 and the firstlinks 22 or the back frame 112 downward, the first links 22 and thesecond links 72 are turned, and the separations in the seat back 12thickness direction between the back main frame 16 and the back backrest20 and the back frame 112 are contracted, along with which theseparation in the seat back 12 thickness direction between the backbackrest 20 and the back sub frame 24 is contracted. Accordingly, evenin a case in which the thicknesses of the back side portion 12B and theback main portion 12A for times of usual use are made thicker, inaccordance with stowing of the seat 180, the thicknesses of the backside portion 12B and the back main portion 12A are contracted in theregion at the face side and region at the reverse side relative to theback main frame 16 and can be made equal, and space (space at the frontside and rear side of the seat 180) in the cabin at times of stowage ofthe seat 180 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described fourth embodiment, this canhave a structure in which the seat 180 is formed as what is known as atumble-storing type (see FIG. 5A), a structure in which the seat 180 isformed as what is known as a space-increasing storage type (see FIG.5B), or a structure in which the seat 180 is formed as what is known asa rearward under-floor storage type (see FIG. 5C).

Here, in the above-described tenth embodiment to sixteenth embodiment,the back frame 112 is provided inside the seat back 12 and has astructure which is turnably joined to the rear ends of the first links22. However, similarly to FIGS. 26A and 26B, the back frame 112 may havea structure that is formed in a character-Π shape in cross-section (aback board) and provided outside a rear side of the seat back 12. Inthis case, the whole of an outer peripheral surface of the back frame112 may be covered with an additional back face skin (not shown) whichserves as the back cover member similarly to the back face skin 28.Accordingly, appearance of the seat back 12 can be improved.

Seventeenth Embodiment

FIG. 39A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 200 relating to a seventeenth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 40A shows asectional view, viewed from forward, of the principal elements of theseat 200.

The seat 200 relating to the present embodiment is for a vehicle, and isprovided on a cabin floor surface 202 of the vehicle. The seat 200 isformed as what is known as a back forward-folding stowing type seat.

The seat back 12 is provided at the seat 200. The board-form back mainframe 16 (see FIG. 1) is provided inside each of two left-rightdirection end portions of the seat back 12, and the lower end of theback main frame 16 is supported at the vehicle side to be tiltablearound the tilting center 16A. Thus, the seat back 12 is supported atthe vehicle side to be tiltable around the tilting center 16A. Thereclining mechanism 18 is provided at the lower end of the back mainframe 16. The reclining mechanism 18 locks tilting of the back mainframe 16 around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seat back 12 isobstructed from tilting around the tilting center 16A, and is stood upsubstantially vertically. By the reclining mechanism 18 beingcontrolled, the reclining mechanism 18 enables tilting of the back mainframe 16 around the tilting center 16A, and tilting of the seat back 12around the tilting center 16A is enabled.

The seat cushion 30 is provided at the front side of the seat back 12.The seat cushion 30 is horizontally disposed in a state in which therear end is disposed in a vicinity of the lower end of the seat back 12.A left-right direction (width direction) central portion of the seatcushion 30 is formed as a cushion main portion 30A, which serves as aseat main portion, and each of two left-right direction side portions ofthe seat cushion 30 is formed as a cushion side portion 30B, whichserves as a seat side portion. The cushion side portion 30B protrudes tothe upper side (the face side of the seat cushion 30) in comparison withthe cushion main portion 30A (see FIG. 3A).

A cushion link mechanism 204, which serves as the link mechanism, isprovided inside the seat cushion 30.

A rectangular frame-form cushion main frame 206 is provided at thecushion link mechanism 204. Two left and right side portions of thecushion main frame 206 are disposed inside the cushion side portions30B. A cushion support portion 208 supports between two left and rightside regions of the cushion main frame 206. The cushion support portion208 supports an upper side region of the cushion main portion 30A fromthe lower side. At both a left and a right side region, a lower end ofan arm 210 is non-turnably joined to a rear portion of the cushion mainframe 206. An upper end of the arm 210 is turnably joined to the lowerportion of the back main frame 16 at the upper side of the tiltingcenter 16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A).

At both a left and a right side region of the rear portion of thecushion main frame 206, a rear end of a board-form cushion sub frame212, which serves as a cushion face side frame of a cushion flexingcomponent, is turnably joined by a cushion joint shaft 214, which servesas a cushion joining component of the cushion flexing component. Thecushion sub frame 212 is disposed at the upper side of the cushion mainframe 206, and supports an upper side region of the cushion side portion30B from the lower side.

At both a left and a right side region of a front portion of the cushionmain frame 206, a cushion front link 216, which serves as a cushionconnection mechanism, is turnably joined, at an intermediate portion.The cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side at alower end, along with which it supports, at an upper end, the lower sideof the cushion sub frame 212. Accordingly, the seat cushion 30 issupported at the vehicle side, turning of the cushion main frame 206,the arm 210, the cushion front link 216 and the cushion sub frame 212 islocked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

The whole of an outer peripheral surface of the seat cushion 30 iscovered with a cushion face skin 218, which serves as a cushion covermember.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 200 of the structure described above, in a state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning of thecushion main frame 206, the arm 210, the cushion front link 216 and thecushion sub frame 212 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of the cushionside portion 30B from the lower side can be enhanced by the cushion linkmechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crewsitting in the seat 200, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughlyretain the crew.

Moreover, an operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (aturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 200 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 39B).

When the seat 200 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A and, via the arm210, the cushion main frame 206 (the seat cushion 30) is moved forward.Thus, the cushion front link 216 is turned forward and the seat cushion30 is moved forward and downward.

Furthermore, when the seat 200 is being stowed, the cushion front link216 is turned forward. Thus, a separation in the thickness direction ofthe seat cushion 30 between the upper end of the cushion front link 216and the position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 is contracted,the cushion sub frame 212 turns toward the cushion main frame 206relative to the cushion main frame 206, and a separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion sub frame 212 and thecushion main frame 206 is contracted (see FIG. 40B). Therefore, even ina case in which a thickness of the cushion side portion 30B for times ofusual use is made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 200,the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B is contracted in a regionat the face side relative to the cushion main frame 206 and can be madeequal to a thickness of the cushion main portion 30A, and space (spaceat the upper side of the seat 200) in the cabin at times of stowage ofthe seat 200 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, similarly to FIG. 5A, a structure can be formed inwhich the seat 200 is formed as what is known as a tumble-storing type,and after the seat 200 is stowed, support of the seat back 12 and theseat cushion 30 to the vehicle side is released, the seat 200 is turnedsubstantially 90° forward, and thus the seat 200 (the seat back 12 andthe seat cushion 30) is stored to the front side in a state of beingstood up substantially vertically. In this case, because the thicknessof the cushion side portion 30B has been contracted in accordance withstowing of the seat 200 as described above, space (space at the frontside and rear side of the seat 200) in the cabin at times of storage ofthe seat 200 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further yet, for example, similarly to FIG. 5B, in a case in which thewheel housing 32 is present to sideward of the seat 200, a structure canbe formed in which the seat 200 is formed as what is known as aspace-increasing storage type, and after the seat 200 is stowed, supportof the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 200 is turned substantially 90° to sideward, and thusthe seat 200 (the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored at theupper side of the wheel housing 32 in a state of being stood upsubstantially vertically. In this case, because the thickness of thecushion side portion 30B has been contracted in accordance with stowingof the seat 200 as described above, space (space to sideward of the seat200) in the cabin at times of storage of the seat 200 (a luggagecompartment) can be made larger.

Moreover, for example, similarly to FIG. 5C, in a case in which therecess portion 34 is present to rearward of the seat 200, a structurecan be formed in which the seat 200 is formed as what is known as arearward under-floor storage type, and after the seat 200 is stowed,support of the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle sideis released, the seat 200 is turned substantially 180° to rearward or ismoved by a turning link or the like, and thus the seat 200 (the seatback 12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored substantially horizontallyinside the recess portion 34 in a state in which the seat cushion 30 isdisposed at the upper side of the seat back 12. In this case, becausethe thickness of the cushion side portion 30B has been contracted inaccordance with stowing of the seat 200 as described above, space (spaceat the upper side of the seat 200) in the cabin at times of storage ofthe seat 200 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger, along withwhich a depth of the recess portion 34 can be made shallower.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which both theleft and the right side region of the rear portion of the cushion mainframe 206 is turnably joined, via the arm 210, to the back main frame 16at the upper side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shown in FIG.41A, a structure may be formed in which both the left and the right sideregion of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnablyjoined to the back main frame 16 at the front side of the tilting center16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A). In thiscase, as shown in FIG. 41B, when the seat 200 is being stowed, the backmain frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted forward around the tiltingcenter 16A, and the cushion main frame 206 (the seat cushion 30) movesrearward. Thus, the cushion front link 216 is turned rearward, and theseat cushion 30 is moved rearward and downward.

Eighteenth Embodiment

FIG. 42 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 220 relating to an eighteenth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 220 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described seventeenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 220 relating to the present embodiment, the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined, at the upper end, to a front portion of thecushion main frame 206, and the cushion front link 216 does not supportthe cushion sub frame 212.

At both the left and the right side region of the front portion of thecushion main frame 206, a lower end of a regulation link 222 is turnablyjoined. The regulation link 222, at an upper end, supports the cushionsub frame 212 from the lower side.

The circular rod-shaped control lever 42, which serves as the controlmechanism, is engaged at the lower end (turning center) of theregulation link 222. The control lever 42 is formed as a dial-typeregulator or the like. A turn-locking mechanism (not shown) which servesas the locking mechanism is provided at the control lever 42. Turning ofthe control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-locking mechanism, andthus turning of the regulation link 222 and the cushion sub frame 212 islocked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.The control lever 42 protrudes to sideward of the seat cushion 30, andby the control lever 42 being turningly controlled, the regulation link222 is made turnable.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 220 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side, in addition to whichturning of the control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-lockingmechanism. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the aim 210, thecushion front link 216, the regulation link 222 and the cushion subframe 212 is locked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 islocked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the lower side of thecushion side portion 30B can be enhanced by the cushion link mechanism204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 220, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughly retain thecrew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the regulation link 222 is turned, and aseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the upperend of the regulation link 222 and the position of joining to thecushion main frame 206 is flexed. Therefore, the cushion sub frame 212is turned relative to the cushion main frame 206, and a separation inthe seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion sub frame212 and the cushion main frame 206 is flexed. Accordingly, independentlyof stowing of the seat 220, the thickness of the cushion side portion30B is flexed in the region at the face side relative to the cushionmain frame 206, and can be adjusted.

Nineteenth Embodiment

FIG. 43A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 230 relating to a nineteenth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 230 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described seventeenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 230 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 230.

The seat 230 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to avehicle side front bracket 232. The cushion front link 216 is turnablyjoined, at the upper end, to a front portion of the cushion main frame206. The cushion front link 216 does not function as the cushionconnection mechanism, and does not support the cushion sub frame 212.

At the lower side of a rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, atboth the left and the right side region, a rear locking mechanism 234,which serves as a locking mechanism, is engaged. The rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside.

The lower end of the back main frame 16 is tiltably supported at the arm210 to be tiltable around the tilting center 16A. Accordingly, the backmain frame 16 is supported at the vehicle side via the arm 210, thecushion main frame 206, the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat back 12 is supported at the vehicle side.

A predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of cushion jointlinks 236, which serve as the cushion joining component of the cushionflexing component, are turnably joined, at lower ends, to the cushionmain frame 206 at both the left and the right side region. Upper ends ofthe cushion joint links 236 are turnably joined to the cushion sub frame212.

A front end of a cushion joint link 238, which serves as the cushionconnection mechanism, is turnably joined to the rear end of the cushionsub frame 212 or an upper end (anywhere other than a lower end isacceptable) of the cushion joint link 236 at the rear portion of thecushion main frame 206. A rear end of the cushion joint link 238 isturnably joined to the back main frame 16 at the upper side of thetilting center 16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center16A). Accordingly, turning of the cushion joint links 236, the cushionsub frame 212 and the cushion joint link 238 is locked, and operation ofthe cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

Further, the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 arenot joined by the cushion joint shaft 214 of the above-describedseventeenth embodiment.

Operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 230 of the structure described above, in a state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the cushion front link 216 and locked, tilting of the back mainframe 16 around the tilting center 16A is locked by the recliningmechanism 18. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the arm 210,the cushion joint links 236, the cushion sub frame 212 and the cushionjoint link 238 is locked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism204 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the lower sideof the cushion side portion 30B can be enhanced by the cushion linkmechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crewsitting in the seat 230, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughlyretain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 230 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 43B).

When the seat 230 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushion subframe 212 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 forward, thecushion joint links 236 are turned forward, and the separation in theseat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion sub frame 212and the cushion main frame 206 is contracted.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described seventeenth embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the upper side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 44, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe lower side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, when the seat 230 is beingstowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted forwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is movedrearward. Thus, by movement of the cushion sub frame 212 which is to saythe cushion joint links 236 rearward, the cushion joint links 236 areturned rearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion sub frame 212 and the cushion main frame206 is contracted.

Twentieth Embodiment

FIG. 45 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 240 relating to a twentieth embodiment that is structured withthe seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 240 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described seventeenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 240 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 240.

The seat 240 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-folded stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, an upper end of a fourthlink 242 is non-turnably joined to the lower side of a front portion ofthe cushion main frame 206. A lower end of the fourth link 242 isturnably joined to the front bracket 232 at the vehicle side. In thepresent embodiment, the arm 210 of the above-described seventeenthembodiment is not provided.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged at the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fourthlink 242, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thefront bracket 232 at the vehicle side, at the rear side of the positionof joining to the front bracket 232 (turning center) of the fourth link242 (at a position which is offset from this joining position). Thecushion front link 216 is joined in a condition of being movable, in alength direction, at the cushion main frame 206. Furthermore, thecushion front link 216, at the upper end, supports the cushion sub frame212 from the lower side. Thus, turning of the cushion front link 216 andthe cushion sub frame 212 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 240 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fourth link 242 and locked, the lower end of the cushionfront link 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning ofthe fourth link 242, the cushion main frame 206, the cushion front link216 and the cushion sub frame 212 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B from the lower side can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 240, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially90° forward, the seat cushion 30 is stood up substantially vertically.Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back 12 istilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seat back 12is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of the seatcushion 30, and the seat 240 is stowed (known as double-folded stowing)(similarly to FIG. 10).

When the seat 240 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the fourth link 242 and the cushion front link 216 areturned substantially 90° forward. Thus, a separation in the seat cushion30 thickness direction between the position of joining of the fourthlink 242 to the cushion main frame 206 and the position of support ofthe cushion sub frame 212 by the cushion front link 216 is contracteddue to a difference in turning paths of the fourth link 242 and thecushion front link 216, and the cushion sub frame 212 turns toward thecushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206 and theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 is contracted.Therefore, even in a case in which a thickness of the cushion sideportion 30B for times of usual use is made thicker, in accordance withstowing of the seat 240, the thickness of the cushion side portion 30Bis contracted in the region at the face side relative to the cushionmain frame 206 and can be made equal to the thickness of the cushionmain portion 30A, and space (space at the front side and rear side ofthe seat cushion 30) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 240 (aluggage compartment) can be made larger, along with which a possibleangle of tilting (reclining), to rearward, of a seat (not shown) at thefront side of the seat 240 can be made larger.

Twenty-first Embodiment

FIG. 46 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 250 relating to a twenty-first embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 47 shows anexploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally left rearward, of theprincipal elements of the seat 250.

The seat 250 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described seventeenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 250 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-flat stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, a front portion of thecushion main frame 206 is turnably joined to a fixed bracket 252 at thevehicle side by a first joint shaft 254.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged with the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fixedbracket 252, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side.

In the present embodiment, the arm 210 and the cushion front link 216 ofthe above-described seventeenth embodiment are not provided.

An upper end of a cushion joint link 256, which serves as the cushionconnection mechanism, is non-turnably joined to a front portion of thecushion sub frame 212. A lower end of the cushion joint link 256 isturnably joined to the fixed bracket 252 at the upper side of the firstjoint shaft 254 (a turning center of the cushion main frame 206) (at aposition which is offset from the first joint shaft 254). Accordingly,turning of the cushion joint link 256 and the cushion sub frame 212 islocked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 250 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fixed bracket 252 and locked, the lower end of the cushionjoint link 256 is turnably joined to the fixed bracket 252. Thus,turning of the cushion main frame 206, the cushion joint link 256 andthe cushion sub frame 212 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of the cushionside portion 30B from the lower side can be enhanced by the cushion linkmechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crewsitting in the seat 250, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughlyretain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially180° forward, the seat cushion 30 is inverted to be substantiallyhorizontal. Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seatback 12 is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus theseat back 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side ofthe seat cushion 30, and the seat 250 is stowed (known as double-flatstowing) (similarly to FIG. 11).

When the seat 250 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame212 (including the cushion joint link 256) are turned substantially 180°forward. Thus, a separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness directionbetween the first joint shaft 254 and the position of joining to thecushion sub frame 212 of the cushion joint link 256 is contracted due toa difference in turning paths of the cushion main frame 206 and thecushion sub frame 212, and the cushion sub frame 212 turns toward thecushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206 and theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 is contracted.Accordingly, even in a case in which a thickness of the seat cushion 30for times of usual use is made thicker, in accordance with stowing ofthe seat 250, the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B iscontracted in the region at the face side relative to the cushion mainframe 206 and can be made equal to the thickness of the cushion mainportion 30A, and space (space at the upper side of the seat cushion 30)in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 250 (a luggage compartment)can be made larger, along with which interference of the seat cushion 30with the cabin floor surface 202 can be suppressed.

Twenty-second Embodiment

FIG. 48 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 260 relating to a twenty-second embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 47 shows anexploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally left rearward, of theprincipal elements of the seat 260.

The seat 260 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described seventeenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 260 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, a front-rear directionintermediate portion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnably joined toa leg 262 at the vehicle side. In the present embodiment, the arm 210 ofthe above-described seventeenth embodiment is not provided.

The cushion front link 216 structures the cushion flexing component. Afront end of a cushion operation link 264, which serves as the cushionconnection mechanism, is turnably joined to the cushion front link 216at the lower side of a position of joining to the cushion main frame 206(at a position which is offset from this position of joining). A rearend of the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joined to the leg 262at the lower side of a position of joining of the cushion main frame 206(at a position which is offset from this position of joining).

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is locked at a front lockingmechanism 266 at the vehicle side, which serves as a locking mechanism.Accordingly, the cushion main frame 206 is supported at the cushionfront link 216 and the leg 262, and the seat cushion 30 is supported atthe vehicle side, along with which turning of the cushion main frame206, the cushion front link 216, the cushion sub frame 212 and thecushion operation link 264 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 260 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is turnably joined to the leg 262, thecushion front link 216 is locked at the front locking mechanism 266 atthe vehicle side. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, thecushion front link 216, the cushion sub frame 212 and the cushionoperation link 264 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of thecushion side portion 30B from the lower side can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when aload in the left-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30Bfrom a crew sitting in the seat 260, the cushion side portion 30B canthoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the cushion front link 216 to the frontlocking mechanism 266 being released and the seat cushion 30 beingturned rearward, the seat cushion 30 is disposed substantiallyvertically at the front side of the seat back 12, and the seat 260 isstowed (known as tip-up stowing) (similarly to FIG. 17).

When the seat 260 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned rearward), the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion operationlink 264 (including the cushion front link 216) are turned substantially90° rearward. Thus, due to a difference in turning paths of the cushionmain frame 206 and the cushion operation link 264, the cushion frontlink 216 turns relative to the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionoperation link 264 and, while the cushion sub frame 212 turns toward thecushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206, theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 is contracted.Accordingly, even in a case in which a thickness of the seat cushion 30for times of usual use is made thicker, in accordance with stowing ofthe seat 260, the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B iscontracted in the region at the face side relative to the cushion mainframe 206 and can be made equal to the thickness of the cushion mainportion 30A, and space (space at the front side and rear side of theseat 260) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 260 (a luggagecompartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, similarly to FIG. 5A, a structure can be formed inwhich the seat 260 is formed as what is known as a tumble-storing type,and after the seat 260 is stowed, support of the seat back 12 and theseat cushion 30 at the vehicle side is released, the seat 260 is turnedsubstantially 180° forward, and thus the seat 260 (the seat back 12 andthe seat cushion 30) is stored to the front side in a state of beingstood up substantially vertically. In this case, because the thicknessof the cushion side portion 30B has been contracted in accordance withstowing of the seat 260 as described above, space (space at the frontside and rear side of the seat 260) in the cabin at times of storage ofthe seat 260 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, for example, similarly to FIG. 5B, in a case in which the wheelhousing 32 is present to sideward of the seat 260, a structure can beformed in which the seat 260 is formed as what is known as aspace-increasing storage type, and after the seat 260 is stowed, supportof the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 at the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 260 is turned substantially 90° to sideward, and thusthe seat 260 (the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored at theupper side of the wheel housing 32 in a state of being stood upsubstantially vertically. In this case, because the thickness of thecushion side portion 30B has been contracted in accordance with stowingof the seat 260 as described above, space (space to sideward of the seat260) in the cabin at times of storage of the seat 260 (a luggagecompartment) can be made larger.

Moreover, for example, similarly to FIG. 5C, in a case in which therecess portion 34 is present to rearward of the seat 260, a structurecan be formed in which the seat 260 is formed as what is known as arearward under-floor storage type, and after the seat 260 is stowed,support of the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle sideis released, the seat 260 is turned substantially 90° to rearward or ismoved by a turning link or the like, and thus the seat 260 (the seatback 12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored substantially horizontallyinside the recess portion 34 in a state in which the seat cushion 30 isdisposed at the upper side of the seat back 12. In this case, becausethe thickness of the cushion side portion 30B has been contracted inaccordance with stowing of the seat 260 as described above, space (spaceat the upper side of the seat 260) in the cabin at times of storage ofthe seat 260 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger, along withwhich a depth of the recess portion 34 can be made shallower.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thecushion operation link 264 is turnably joined at the lower side of theposition of joining to the cushion main frame 206 of the cushion frontlink 216 and at the lower side of the position of joining with thecushion main frame 206 of the leg 262. However, as shown in FIG. 49, astructure may be formed in which the cushion operation link 264 isturnably joined at the upper side of the position of joining to thecushion main frame 206 (at a position which is offset from this positionof joining) of the cushion front link 216 and at the upper side of theposition of joining with the cushion main frame 206 (at a position whichis offset from this position of joining) of the leg 262.

Further yet, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in whichthe lower end of the cushion front link 216 is locked at the frontlocking mechanism 266. However, a structure may be formed in whichturning of the cushion main frame 206 relative to the leg 262 is madelockable. In this case, a necessity of locking the cushion front link216 at the front locking mechanism 266 can be eliminated.

Twenty-third Embodiment

FIG. 50 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 270 relating to a twenty-third embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 270 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described nineteenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 270 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The rear end of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to theback main frame 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A (aposition which is offset from the tilting center 16A). Accordingly,turning of the cushion joint links 236, the cushion sub frame 212, andthe cushion joint link 238 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described nineteenth embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 270 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 270 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushion subframe 212 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 to forward, thecushion joint links 236 are turned forward, and the separation in theseat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion sub frame 212and the cushion main frame 206 is contracted. Accordingly, even in acase in which the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B for times ofusual use is made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 270,the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B is contracted in theregion at the face side relative to the cushion main frame 206 and canbe made equal to the thickness of the cushion main portion 30A, andspace (space at the upper side of the seat cushion 30) in the cabin attimes of stowage of the seat 270 (a luggage compartment) can be madelarger.

Further, for example, similarly to FIG. 15, in a case in which the wheelhousing 32 is present to sideward of the seat 270, a structure can beformed in which the seat 270 is formed as what is known as aspace-increasing storage type, and after the seat 270 is stowed, supportof the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30 to the vehicle side isreleased, the seat 270 is turned substantially 90° to sideward, and thusthe seat 270 (the seat back 12 and the seat cushion 30) is stored at theupper side of the wheel housing 32 in a state of being stood upsubstantially vertically. In this case, because the thickness of thecushion side portion 30B has been contracted in accordance with stowingof the seat 270 as described above, space (space to sideward of the seatcushion 30) in the cabin at times of storage of the seat 270 (a luggagecompartment) can be made larger.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 51, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe upper side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, when the seat 270 is beingstowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is movedrearward. Thus, by movement to rearward of the cushion sub frame 212which is to say the cushion joint links 236, the cushion joint links 236are turned rearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion sub frame 212 and the cushion main frame206 is contracted.

Twenty-fourth Embodiment

FIG. 52 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 280 relating to a twenty-fourth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 53 shows aperspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward, of the principalelements of the seat 280. FIG. 55A shows a sectional view, viewed fromthe front end side, of the principal elements of the seat 280.

The seat 280 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described seventeenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 280 relating to the present embodiment, lower ends of thecushion joint links 236, which serve as the cushion joining component ofthe cushion flexing component, are turnably joined to both a left and aright side region of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206.Here, in the present embodiment, the cushion joint shaft 214 of theseventeenth embodiment is not provided.

The cushion support portion 208 functions as the cushion face side frameof the cushion flexing component, and is disposed at the upper side ofthe cushion main frame 206. Both a left and a right side region of thecushion support portion 208 is turnably joined, at a front portion, tothe upper side of the cushion front link 216, along with which it isturnably joined, at a rear portion, to the upper end of the cushionjoint link 236. A predetermined number (two in the present embodiment)of fifth links 282, which structure the cushion flexing component, areturnably joined, at lower ends, to both the left and the right sideregion of the cushion support portion 208.

The cushion sub frame 212 functions as a cushion face frame of thecushion flexing component, and is disposed at the upper side of thecushion support portion 208. The predetermined number of the fifth links282 are turnably joined, at upper ends, to the cushion sub frame 212.Otherwise, a front end of a sixth link 284, which structures the backflexing component, is turnably joined to the cushion sub frame 212 or aposition other than a lower end (turning center) of the fifth links 282.A rear end of the sixth link 284 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16. Accordingly, turning of the cushion joint link 236, thecushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame212 and the sixth link 284 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 280 of the structure described above, in a state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning of thecushion main frame 206, the arm 210, the cushion front link 216, thecushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifthlinks 282, the cushion sub frame 212 and the sixth link 284 is locked,and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the lower side of the cushion sideportion 30B can be enhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (thecushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in the left-right directionacts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat280, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 280 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 54).

When the seat 280 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionmain frame 206 (the seat cushion 30) is moved forward, via the arm 210.Thus, the cushion front link 216 is turned forward, and the seat cushion30 is moved forward and downward

Furthermore, when the seat 280 is being stowed, the cushion front link216 is turned forward, and the cushion joint link 236 is turned forward.Thus, a separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion main frame 206 and the cushion support portion 208 iscontracted. Along with this, by movement to forward of the cushionsupport portion 208, the fifth links 282 are turned forward, and aseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion support portion 208 and the cushion sub frame 212 is contracted(see FIG. 55B). Therefore, even in a case in which thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times ofusual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 280,the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion mainportion 30A are contracted in the region at the face side relative tothe cushion main frame 206 and can be made equal, and space (space atthe upper side of the seat 280) in the cabin at times of stowage of theseat 280 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described seventeenth embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which both theleft and the right side region of the rear portion of the cushion mainframe 206 is turnably joined, via the arm 210, to the back main frame 16at the upper side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shown in FIG.56, a structure may be formed in which both the left and the right sideregion of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnablyjoined to the back main frame 16 at the upper side of the tilting center16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A). In thiscase, the front end of the sixth link 284 is turnably joined to thecushion main frame 206, along with which the rear end of the sixth link284 is turnably joined to the cushion sub frame 212 or a position otherthan the lower ends (turning centers) of the fifth links 282. Further,when the seat 280 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionmain frame 206 (the seat cushion 30) is moved rearward. Thus, thecushion front link 216 is turned rearward, and the seat cushion 30 ismoved rearward and downward. Furthermore, when the seat 280 is beingstowed, the cushion front link 216 is turned rearward and the cushionjoint links 236 are turned rearward. Thus, a separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 andthe cushion support portion 208 is contracted, along with which, bymovement to rearward of the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links282 are turned rearward and a separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion support portion 208 and thecushion sub frame 212 is contracted

Twenty-fifth Embodiment

FIG. 57 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 290 relating to a twenty-fifth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 290 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 290 relating to the present embodiment, the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined, at an upper portion, to a front portion ofthe cushion main frame 206, and the cushion front link 216 is joined tothe cushion support portion 208.

At both the left and the right side region of the front portion of thecushion main frame 206, the lower end of the regulation link 222 isturnably joined. The regulation link 222 is turnably joined, at an upperportion, to a front portion of the cushion support portion 208.

The circular rod-shaped control lever 42, which serves as the controlmechanism, is engaged at the lower end (turning center) of theregulation link 222. The control lever 42 is formed as a dial-typeregulator or the like. A turn-locking mechanism (not shown) which servesas the locking mechanism is provided at the control lever 42. Turning ofthe control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-locking mechanism, andthus turning of the regulation link 222, the cushion joint links 236,the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion subframe 212 and the sixth link 284 is locked, and operation of the cushionlink mechanism 204 is restricted. The control lever 42 protrudes tosideward of the seat cushion 30, and by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the regulation link 222 is made turnable.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 290 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side, in addition to whichturning of the control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-lockingmechanism. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the arm 210, thecushion front link 216, the regulation link 222, the cushion joint links236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushionsub frame 212 and the sixth link 284 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity from the lower side of the cushion side portion 30B can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 290, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled, the regulation link 222 and the cushion jointlinks 236 are turned. Thus, a separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionsupport portion 208 is flexed. Along with this, by movement to forwardor rearward of the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282 areturned, and a separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness directionbetween the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion sub frame 212 isflexed. Accordingly, independently of stowing of the seat 290, thethicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A are flexed in the region at the face side relative to the cushionmain frame 206, and can be adjusted.

Twenty-sixth Embodiment

FIG. 58A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 300 relating to a twenty-sixth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 300 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 300 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 300.

The seat 300 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back forward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thefront bracket 232. The cushion front link 216 is turnably joined, at theupper end, to the front portion of the cushion main frame 206. Thecushion front link 216 does not function as the cushion connectionmechanism, and is not joined to the cushion support portion 208.

At the lower side of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, atboth the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism 234which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged. The rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside.

The lower end of the back main frame 16 is turnably supported at the arm210 to be tiltable around the tilting center 16A. Accordingly, the backmain frame 16 is supported at the vehicle side via the arm 210, thecushion main frame 206, the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat back 12 is joined to the vehicle side.

The predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of the cushionjoint links 236 are turnably joined, at the lower ends, to both the leftand the right side region of the cushion main frame 206. Thepredetermined number of the cushion joint links 236 are turnably joined,at the upper ends, to both the left and the right side region of thecushion support portion 208.

The front end of the cushion joint link 238, which serves as the cushionconnection mechanism, is turnably joined to the rear end of the cushionsupport portion 208 or the cushion joint link 236 at the rear portion ofthe cushion main frame 206 (anywhere other than the lower end isacceptable). The rear end of the cushion joint link 238 is turnablyjoined to the back main frame 16 at the upper side of the tilting center16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A).Accordingly, turning of the cushion joint links 236, the cushion supportportion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame 212, the sixthlink 284 and the cushion joint link 238 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

Operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 300 of the structure described above, in a state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the cushion front link 216 and locked, tilting of the back mainframe 16 around the tilting center 16A is locked by the recliningmechanism 18. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the arm 210,the cushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifthlinks 282, the cushion sub frame 212, the sixth link 284 and the cushionjoint link 238 is locked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism204 is locked. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from the lower side ofthe cushion side portion 30B can be enhanced by the cushion linkmechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in theleft-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crewsitting in the seat 300, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughlyretain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 300 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 58B).

When the seat 300 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushionsupport portion 208 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 forward,the cushion joint links 236 are turned forward and the separation in theseat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206and the cushion support portion 208 is contracted, along with which, bymovement of the cushion support portion 208 forward, the fifth links 282are turned forward and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 is contracted. Therefore, even in a case in which thicknessesof the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A fortimes of usual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of theseat 300, the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the face siderelative to the cushion main frame 206 and can be made equal, and space(space at the upper side of the seat 300) in the cabin at times ofstowage of the seat 300 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described twenty-fourth embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the upper side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 59, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe lower side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, the front end of the sixthlink 284 is turnably joined to the cushion main frame 206, along withwhich the rear end of the sixth link 284 is turnably joined to thecushion sub frame 212 or a position other than a lower end (turningcenter) of the fifth links 282. When the seat 300 is being stowed, theback main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted forward around thetilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is moved rearward.Thus, by movement of the cushion support portion 208 which is to say thecushion joint links 236 rearward, the cushion joint links 236 are turnedtoward the rear side, and the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionsupport portion 208 is contracted. Along with this, by movement of thecushion support portion 208 rearward, the fifth links 282 are turnedrearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness directionbetween the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion sub frame 212 iscontracted.

Twenty-seventh Embodiment

FIG. 60 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 310 relating to a twenty-seventh embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 310 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 310 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 310.

The seat 310 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-folded stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, the upper end of the fourthlink 242 is non-turnably joined to the lower side of the front portionof the cushion main frame 206. The lower end of the fourth link 242 isturnably joined to the front bracket 232 at the vehicle side. In thepresent embodiment, the arm 210 of the above-described twenty-fourthembodiment is not provided.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as a locking mechanism is engaged with the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside.

The predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of the cushionjoint links 236 are turnably joined, at the lower ends, to the cushionmain frame 206 at both the left and the right side region. Thepredetermined number of the cushion joint links 236 are turnably joined,at the upper ends, to the cushion support portion 208 at both the leftand the right side region.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thefront bracket 232 at the vehicle side, at the rear side of a position ofjoining to the front bracket 232 (a turning center) of the fourth link242 (at a position which is offset from this joining position). Thecushion front link 216 is joined in a condition of being movable, in thelength direction, at the cushion main frame 206. The cushion front link216, at the upper end, is non-turnably joined to the cushion sub frame212. Accordingly, turning of the cushion front link 216, the cushionjoint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282and the cushion sub frame 212 is locked, and operation of the cushionlink mechanism 204 is restricted. In the present embodiment, the sixthlink 284 of the twenty-fourth embodiment is not provided.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 310 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fourth link 242 and locked, the lower end of the cushionfront link 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning ofthe fourth link 242, the cushion main frame 206, the cushion front link216, the cushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, thefifth links 282 and the cushion sub frame 212 is locked, and operationof the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B from the lower side can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 310, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially90° forward, the seat cushion 30 is stood up substantially vertically.Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back 12 istilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seat back 12is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of the seatcushion 30, and the seat 310 is stowed (known as double-folded stowing)(similarly to FIG. 10).

When the seat 310 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the fourth link 242 and the cushion front link 216 areturned substantially 90° forward. Thus, a separation in the seat cushion30 thickness direction between the position of joining to the cushionmain frame 206 of the fourth link 242 and the position of joining to thecushion sub frame 212 of the cushion front link 216 is contracted due toa difference in turning paths of the fourth link 242 and the cushionfront link 216 and, while the cushion joint links 236 and the cushionjoint link 238 are turned, the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionsupport portion 208 is contracted. Therefore, even in a case in whichthicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowingof the seat 310, the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the face siderelative to the cushion main frame 206 and can be made equal, and space(space at the front side and rear side of the seat cushion 30) in thecabin at times of stowage of the seat 310 (a luggage compartment) can bemade larger, along with which a possible angle of tilting (reclining),to rearward, of a seat (not shown) at the front side of the seat 310 canbe made larger.

Twenty-eighth Embodiment

FIG. 61 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 320 relating to a twenty-eighth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 62 shows anexploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally left rearward, of theprincipal elements of the seat 320.

The seat 320 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 320 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-flat stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, the front portion of thecushion main frame 206 is turnably joined to the fixed bracket 252 atthe vehicle side by the first joint shaft 254.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged with the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fixedbracket 252, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side.

In the present embodiment, the arm 210 and the cushion front link 216 ofthe above-described twenty-fourth embodiment are not provided.

The predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of the cushionjoint links 236 are turnably joined, at the lower ends, to the cushionmain frame 206 at both the left and the right side region. Thepredetermined number of the cushion joint links 236 are turnably joined,at the upper ends, to the cushion support portion 208 at both the leftand the right side region.

The upper end of the cushion joint link 256 which serves as the cushionconnection mechanism is non-turnably joined to the front portion of thecushion sub frame 212. The lower end of the cushion joint link 256 isturnably joined to the fixed bracket 252 at the upper side of the firstjoint shaft 254 (a turning center) (at a position which is offset fromthe first joint shaft 254). Accordingly, turning of the cushion jointlink 256, the cushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208,the fifth links 282 and the cushion sub frame 212 is locked, andoperation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. In thepresent embodiment, the sixth link 284 of the above-describedtwenty-fourth embodiment is not provided.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 320 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fixed bracket 252 and locked, the lower end of the cushionjoint link 256 is turnably joined to the fixed bracket 252. Thus,turning of the cushion main frame 206, the cushion joint link 256, thecushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifthlinks 282 and the cushion sub frame 212 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B from the lower side can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 320, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially180° forward, the seat cushion 30 is inverted to be substantiallyhorizontal. Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seatback 12 is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus theseat back 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side ofthe seat cushion 30, and the seat 320 is stowed (known as double-flatstowing) (similarly to FIG. 11).

When the seat 320 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame212 (including the cushion joint link 256) are turned substantially 180°forward. Thus, a separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness directionbetween the first joint shaft 254 and the position of joining to thecushion sub frame 212 of the cushion joint link 256 is contracted due toa difference in turning paths of the cushion main frame 206 and thecushion sub frame 212 and, while the cushion joint links 236 and thefifth links 282 are turned, the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionsupport portion 208 and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 are contracted. Accordingly, even in a case in whichthicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowingof the seat 320, the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the face siderelative to the cushion main frame 206 and can be made equal, and space(space at the upper side of the seat cushion 30) in the cabin at timesof stowage of the seat 320 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger,along with which interference of the seat cushion 30 with the cabinfloor surface 202 can be suppressed.

Twenty-ninth Embodiment

FIG. 63A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 330 relating to a twenty-ninth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 64 shows anexploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward, of theprincipal elements of the seat 330.

The seat 330 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 330 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, a front-rear directionintermediate portion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnably joined tothe leg 262 at the vehicle side, and turning of the cushion main frame206 relative to the leg 262 is locked. Accordingly, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the leg 262, and the seat cushion 30 issupported at the vehicle side. In the present embodiment, the arm 210 ofthe above-described twenty-fourth embodiment is not provided.

The cushion front link 216 structures the cushion flexing component, andthe lower end of the cushion front link 216 is joined to the vehicleside.

The front end of the cushion operation link 264, which serves as thecushion connection mechanism, is turnably joined to the cushion frontlink 216 at the lower side of the position of joining to the cushionmain frame 206 (at a position which is offset from this position ofjoining). The rear end of the cushion operation link 264 is turnablyjoined to the leg 262 at the lower side of the position of joining ofthe cushion main frame 206 (at a position which is offset from thisposition of joining). Accordingly, turning of the cushion operation link264, the cushion front link 216, the cushion joint links 236, thecushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame212 and the sixth link 284 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 330 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is joined to the leg 262 while turning islocked, the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joined to the leg262. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the cushion operationlink 264, the cushion front link 216, the cushion joint links 236, thecushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame212 and the sixth link 284 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of thecushion side portion 30B from the lower side can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when aload in the left-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30Bfrom a crew sitting in the seat 330, the cushion side portion 30B canthoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the cushion main frame 206 to the leg 262being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned rearward, the seatcushion 30 is disposed substantially vertically at the front side of theseat back 12, and the seat 330 is stowed (known as tip-up stowing)(similarly to FIG. 17).

When the seat 330 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned rearward), the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion operationlink 264 (including the cushion front link 216) are turned substantially90° rearward. Thus, due to a difference in turning paths of the cushionmain frame 206 and the cushion operation link 264, the cushion frontlink 216 turns relative to the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionoperation link 264 and, while the cushion joint links 236 and the fifthlinks 282 are turned, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion supportportion 208 and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 are contracted (see FIG. 63B). Accordingly, even in a case inwhich thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion mainportion 30A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance withstowing of the seat 330, the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30Band the cushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at theface side relative to the cushion main frame 206 and can be made equal,and space (space at the front side and rear side of the seat 330) in thecabin at times of stowage of the seat 330 (a luggage compartment) can bemade larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described twenty-second embodiment, thiscan have a structure in which the seat 330 is formed as what is known asa tumble-storing type (see FIG. 5A), a structure in which the seat 330is formed as what is known as a space-increasing storage type (see FIG.5B), or a structure in which the seat 330 is formed as what is known asa rearward under-floor storage type (see FIG. 5C).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thecushion operation link 264 is turnably joined to the cushion front link216 at the lower side of the position of joining to the cushion mainframe 206 and to the leg 262 at the lower side of the position ofjoining with the cushion main frame 206. However, a structure may beformed in which the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joined to thecushion front link 216 at the upper side of the position of joining tothe cushion main frame 206 (at a position which is offset from thisposition of joining) and to the leg 262 at the upper side of theposition of joining with the cushion main frame 206 (at a position whichis offset from this position of joining).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in whichturning of the cushion main frame 206 relative to the leg 262 is locked.However, a structure may be formed in which the lower end of the cushionfront link 216 is made lockable to the vehicle side. In this case, anecessity of locking turning of the cushion main frame 206 relative tothe leg 262 can be eliminated.

Thirtieth Embodiment

FIG. 65 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 340 relating to a thirtieth embodiment that is structured withthe seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 340 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described twenty-sixth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 340 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The rear end of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to theback main frame 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A (aposition which is offset from the tilting center 16A). Accordingly,turning of the cushion joint link 236, the cushion support portion 208,the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame 212, the sixth link 284 andthe cushion joint link 238 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described twenty-sixth embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 340 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 340 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushionsupport portion 208 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 toforward, the cushion joint links 236 are turned forward, and theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the cushion support portion 208 iscontracted. Along with this, by movement of the cushion support portion208 to forward, the fifth links 282 are turned forward, and theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion support portion 208 and the cushion sub frame 212 is contracted.Therefore, even in a case in which the thicknesses of the cushion sideportion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times of usual use aremade thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 340, thethicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A are contracted in the region at the face side relative to thecushion main frame 206 and can be made equal, and space (space at theupper side of the seat cushion 30) in the cabin at times of stowage ofthe seat 340 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the twenty-third embodiment, a structure can beformed in which the seat 340 is formed as what is known as aspace-increasing storage type (see FIG. 15).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 66, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe upper side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, the front end of the sixthlink 284 is turnably joined to the cushion main frame 206, along withwhich the rear end of the sixth link 284 is turnably joined to thecushion sub frame 212 or a position other than a lower end (turningcenter) of the fifth links 282. Furthermore, when the seat 340 is beingstowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is movedrearward. Thus, by movement to rearward of the cushion support portion208 which is to say the cushion joint links 236, the cushion joint links236 are turned rearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionsupport portion 208 is contracted. Along with this, by movement torearward of the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282 areturned rearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 is contracted.

Thirty-first Embodiment

FIG. 67 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 350 relating to a thirty-first embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 68 shows asectional view, viewed from forward, of the principal elements of theseat 350.

The seat 350 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described seventeenth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 350 relating to the present embodiment, both the left andthe right side region of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206is turnably joined to the lower end of the back main frame 16 at thefront side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offset fromthe tilting center 16A). In the present embodiment, the arm 210 of theabove-described seventeenth embodiment is not provided.

At an up-down direction intermediate portion of the cushion front link216, a shaft-form or board-form restricting portion 352 is provided. Therestricting portion 352 protrudes outward in the left-right directionfrom the cushion front link 216.

At a lower side of the cushion main frame 206 (a reverse side region ofthe seat cushion 30), an under cover 354 is provided, which serves as acushion reverse side member of the cushion flexing component. The undercover 354 is formed as a substantially square container, with an upperface open. Both a left and a right side region of a rear portion of theunder cover 354 is turnably joined to the respective one of the two leftand right side regions of the rear portion of the cushion main frame206. At the middle of a lower wall of the under cover 354, a rectangularaperture 356 is penetratingly formed. The cushion front link 216 passesthrough the aperture 356. Thus, joining of the cushion main frame 206with the vehicle side by the cushion front link 216 is enabled. Theunder cover 354 is engaged with a seat cushion main body 30C (a regionof the seat cushion 30 other than the under cover 354), and turning tothe lower side is restricted. Accordingly, the under cover 354 covers alower side of the seat cushion main body 30C, along with which the lowerwall of the under cover 354 and the cushion main frame 206 areseparated, and a gap is formed between the lower wall of the under cover354 and the lower face of the seat cushion main body 30C. Therestricting portion 352 of the cushion front link 216 abuts against thelower wall of the under cover 354 from the upper side. Accordingly,turning of the under cover 354 to upward is restricted.

At both a left and a right side region, a rear passage hole 358, whichis formed to be long, is penetratingly formed in a rear wall of theunder cover 354. The rear passage hole 358 is arranged along the up-downdirection and opens to the upper side. The lower end of the back mainframe 16 passes through at the rear passage hole 358. Accordingly,joining of the lower end of the back main frame 16 to the cushion mainframe 206 is enabled. At both a left and a right side region, a frontpassage hole 360, which is formed to be long, is penetratingly formedfrom a front wall to a front portion of the lower wall of the undercover 354. The front passage hole 360 is arranged along the up-downdirection and the front-rear direction at the front side of the cushionfront link 216, along with which it is communicated with the aperture356.

The whole of an outer peripheral surface of the under cover 354 iscovered with an additional cushion face skin (not shown), which servesas a cushion cover member, and the under cover 354 is accommodated inthe additional cushion face skin. Accordingly, appearance of the undercover 354, and hence the seat cushion 30, can be improved.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 350 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning of thecushion main frame 206, the cushion front link 216, the cushion subframe 212 and the under cover 354 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B from the lower side can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 350, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 350 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 69).

When the seat 350 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionmain frame 206 (the seat cushion 30) is moved rearward. Thus, thecushion front link 216 is turned rearward while being passed into thefront passage hole 360, and the seat cushion 30 is moved rearward anddownward.

Furthermore, when the seat 350 is being stowed, the cushion front link216 is turned rearward. Thus, a separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the upper end of the cushion front link 216and the position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 is contracted,and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion sub frame 212 and the cushion main frame 206 is contractedby turning of the cushion sub frame 212 toward the cushion main frame206 relative to the cushion main frame 206. Moreover, a separation inthe seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion front link216 at a position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 and therestricting portion 352 is contracted. By turning of the cushion mainframe 206 toward the lower wall side of the under cover 354 relative tothe under cover 354, the seat cushion main body 30C passes into theinterior of the under cover 354 until the lower face of the seat cushionmain body 30C abuts against the lower wall of the under cover 354.Therefore, even in a case in which thicknesses of the cushion sideportion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times of usual use aremade thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 350, the thicknessof the cushion side portion 30B is contracted in the region at the faceside relative to the cushion main frame 206, along with which thethicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A are contracted in the region at the reverse side relative to thecushion main frame 206, the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30Band the cushion main portion 30A can be made equal, and space (space atthe upper side of the seat 350) in the cabin at times of stowage of theseat 350 (a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described seventeenth embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which both theleft and the right side region of the rear portion of the cushion mainframe 206 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 at the front sideof the tilting center 16A. However, as shown in FIG. 70, a structure maybe formed in which both the left and the right side region of the rearportion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnably joined to the backmain frame 16 at the upper side of the tilting center 16A (a positionwhich is offset from the tilting center 16A). In this case, when theseat 350 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) istilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushion main frame206 (the seat cushion 30) is moved forward. Thus, the cushion front link216 is turned forward, and the seat cushion 30 is moved forward anddownward.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which therestricting portion 352 is provided at the cushion front link 216.However, a structure may be formed in which the restricting portion 352is not provided at the cushion front link 216.

Thirty-Second Embodiment

FIG. 71 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 370 relating to a thirty-second embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 370 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-first embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 370 relating to the present embodiment, the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined, at the upper end, to the front portion ofthe cushion main frame 206. The cushion front link 216 does not supportthe cushion sub frame 212, along with which the restricting portion 352of the above-described thirty-first embodiment is not provided.

At both the left and the right side region of the front portion of thecushion main frame 206, an intermediate portion of the regulation link222 is turnably joined. The regulation link 222, at the upper end,supports the cushion sub frame 212 from the lower side. A circularshaft-form slide shaft 372 is fixed to the lower end of the regulationlink 222. The slide shaft 372 protrudes outward in the left-rightdirection from the regulation link 222.

The circular rod-shaped control lever 42 which serves as the controlmechanism is engaged at the intermediate portion (turning center) of theregulation link 222. The control lever 42 is formed as a dial-typeregulator or the like. A turn-locking mechanism (not shown) which servesas the locking mechanism is provided at the control lever 42. Turning ofthe control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-locking mechanism, andthus turning of the regulation link 222 and the cushion sub frame 212 islocked. The control lever 42 protrudes to sideward of the seat cushion30, and by the control lever 42 being turningly controlled, theregulation link 222 is made turnable.

At both a left and a right side region, a guide plate 374 with aninverted letter-U form plate shape in cross-section, which serves as aguide member, is fixed to a vicinity of a front portion of an upper faceof the lower wall of the under cover 354. An upper wall of the guideplate 374 is formed in a flat plate shape. The slide shaft 372 of theregulation link 222 passes into the guide plate 374. Accordingly, theupper wall of the guide plate 374 engages with the slide shaft 372, andturning of the under cover 354 to downward is restricted. Thus, movementof the cushion link mechanism 204 is locked, in addition to which theunder cover 354 covers the lower side of the seat cushion main body 30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 370 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side, in addition to whichturning of the control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-lockingmechanism. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the cushionfront link 216, the regulation link 222, the cushion sub frame 212 andthe under cover 354 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from thelower side of the cushion side portion 30B can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when aload in the left-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30Bfrom a crew sitting in the seat 370, the cushion side portion 30B canthoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled and the regulation link 222 being turned, aseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the upperend of the regulation link 222 and a position of joining to the cushionmain frame 206 is flexed, and the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion sub frame 212 and the cushionmain frame 206 is flexed by turning of the cushion sub frame 212relative to the cushion main frame 206. Moreover, a separation in theseat cushion 30 thickness direction between the position of joining tothe cushion main frame 206 of the regulation link 222 and the slideshaft 372 is flexed by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the regulationlink 222 in the guide plate 374, and a separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the lowerwall of the under cover 354 is flexed while the under cover 354 isturned relative to the cushion main frame 206. Accordingly,independently of stowing of the seat 370, the thickness of the cushionside portion 30B is flexed in the region at the face side relative tothe cushion main frame 206, along with which the thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A are flexed inthe region at the reverse side relative to the cushion main frame 206,and the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion mainportion 30A can be adjusted.

Thirty-Third Embodiment

FIG. 72A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 380 relating to a thirty-third embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 380 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-first embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 380 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 380.

The seat 380 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back forward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thevehicle side front bracket 232. The cushion front link 216 is turnablyjoined, at the upper end, to the front portion of the cushion main frame206. The cushion front link 216 does not function as the cushionconnection mechanism, and does not directly support the cushion subframe 212. The restricting portion 352 of the above-describedthirty-first embodiment is not provided at the cushion front link 216.

At the lower side of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, atboth the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism 234which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged. The rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside. Further, the rear locking mechanism 234 passes through theaperture 356 of the under cover 354. Accordingly, joining of the cushionmain frame 206 with the vehicle side by the rear locking mechanism 234is enabled.

At the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, at both the left andthe right side region, the arm 210 is fixed, and the lower end of theback main frame 16 is joined to the arm 210 to be tiltable around thetilting center 16A. Accordingly, the back main frame 16 is supported atthe vehicle side via the arm 210, the cushion main frame 206, the rearlocking mechanism 234 and the cushion front link 216, and the seat back12 is supported at the vehicle side.

A predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of the cushionjoint links 236, which serve as the cushion joining component of thecushion flexing component, are turnably joined, at upper ends, to thecushion sub frame 212. The cushion joint link 236 at the front portionof the cushion sub frame 212 is turnably joined, at an intermediateportion, to the cushion main frame 206, along with which the cushionjoint link 236 other than that cushion joint link 236 is turnablyjoined, at the lower end, to the cushion main frame 206. Further, thecushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 are not joined bythe cushion joint shaft 214 of the thirty-first embodiment.

The circular shaft-form slide shaft 372 is fixed, at the lower end, tothe cushion joint link 236 at the front portion of the cushion sub frame212. The slide shaft 372 protrudes outward in the left-right directionfrom this cushion joint link 236.

At both the left and the right side region, the guide plate 374 with theinverted letter-U form plate shape in cross-section, which serves as theguide member, is fixed to the vicinity of the front portion of the upperface of the lower wall of the under cover 354. The upper wall of theguide plate 374 is formed in the flat plate form. The slide shaft 372passes into the guide plate 374. Accordingly, the upper wall of theguide plate 374 engages with the slide shaft 372, and turning of theunder cover 354 to downward is restricted. Thus, the under cover 354covers the lower side of the seat cushion main body 30C, along withwhich the lower wall of the under cover 354 and the cushion main frame206 are separated, and a gap is formed between the lower wall of theunder cover 354 and the lower face of the seat cushion main body 30C.

The front end of the cushion joint link 238 which serves as the cushionconnection mechanism is turnably joined to the rear end of the cushionsub frame 212 or the upper end (anywhere other than the lower end isacceptable) of the cushion joint link 236 at the rear portion of thecushion sub frame 212. The rear end of the cushion joint link 238 isturnably joined to the back main frame 16 at the upper side of thetilting center 16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center16A). Accordingly, turning of the cushion joint links 236, the cushionsub frame 212, the cushion joint link 238 and the under cover 354 islocked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

Operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 380 of the structure described above, in a state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the cushion front link 216, tilting of the back main frame 16around the tilting center 16A is locked by the reclining mechanism 18.Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the arm 210, the cushionjoint links 236, the cushion sub frame 212, the cushion joint link 238and the under cover 354 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from thelower side of the cushion side portion 30B can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when aload in the left-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30Bfrom a crew sitting in the seat 380, the cushion side portion 30B canthoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 380 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 72B).

When the seat 380 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushion subframe 212 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 forward, thecushion joint links 236 are turned, and the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion sub frame 212 and thecushion main frame 206 is contracted. Moreover, by sliding of the slideshaft 372 of the cushion joint link 236 in the guide plate 374, aseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion joint link 236 at the position of joining to the cushion mainframe 206 and the slide shaft 372 is contracted and, while the undercover 354 is turned toward the cushion main frame 206 relative to thecushion main frame 206, a separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of theunder cover 354 is contracted. Therefore, even in a case in whichthicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowingof the seat 380, the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B iscontracted in the region at the face side relative to the cushion mainframe 206, along with which the thicknesses of the cushion side portion30B and the cushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at thereverse side relative to the cushion main frame 206, the thicknesses ofthe cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A can bemade equal, and space (space at the upper side of the seat 380) in thecabin at times of stowage of the seat 380 (a luggage compartment) can bemade larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described thirty-first embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the upper side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 73, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe lower side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, when the seat 380 is beingstowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted forwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is movedrearward. Thus, by movement of the cushion sub frame 212 which is to saythe cushion joint links 236 rearward, the cushion joint links 236 areturned, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness directionbetween the cushion sub frame 212 and the cushion main frame 206 iscontracted. Moreover, by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the cushionjoint link 236 in the guide plate 374, the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion joint link 236 at theposition of joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slide shaft372 is contracted and, while the under cover 354 is turned toward thecushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206, theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted.

Thirty-Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 74 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 390 relating to a thirty-fourth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 390 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-first embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 390 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 390.

The seat 390 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-folded stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, the upper end of the fourthlink 242 is non-turnably joined to the lower side of the front portionof the cushion main frame 206. The lower end of the fourth link 242 isturnably joined to the front bracket 232 at the vehicle side. In thepresent embodiment, the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206 isnot directly joined to the lower portion of the back main frame 16.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged at the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fourthlink 242, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side.

Further, the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fourth link 242 passthrough the aperture 356 of the under cover 354. Accordingly, joining ofthe cushion main frame 206 with the vehicle side by the rear lockingmechanism 234 and the fourth link 242 is enabled.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thefront bracket 232 at the vehicle side, at the rear side of the positionof joining to the front bracket 232 (turning center) of the fourth link242 (at a position which is offset from this joining position). Thecushion front link 216 is joined in a condition of being movable, in thelength direction, at the cushion main frame 206. The cushion front link216, at the upper end, is non-turnably joined to the cushion sub frame212. Accordingly, turning of the cushion front link 216 and the cushionsub frame 212 is locked. Further, the restricting portion 352 of thethirty-first embodiment is not provided at the cushion front link 216.

At the lower side of both the left and the right side region, an upperend of a seventh link 392, which structures the cushion connectionmechanism, is non-turnably joined to the front portion of the lower wallof the under cover 354. A lower end of the seventh link 392 is turnablyjoined to the front bracket 232 at the vehicle side, at the front sideof the position of joining to the front bracket 232 (turning center) ofthe fourth link 242 (at a position which is offset from this joiningposition). Accordingly, turning of the seventh link 392 and the undercover 354 is locked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 isrestricted. In addition to this, the under cover 354 covers the lowerside of the seat cushion main body 30C, along with which the lower wallof the under cover 354 and the cushion main frame 206 are separated, anda gap is formed between the lower wall of the under cover 354 and thelower face of the seat cushion main body 30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 390 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fourth link 242 and locked, the lower ends of the cushionfront link 216 and the seventh link 392 are turnably joined to thevehicle side. Thus, turning of the fourth link 242, the cushion mainframe 206, the cushion front link 216, the cushion sub frame 212, theseventh link 392 and the under cover 354 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B from the lower side can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 390, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially90° forward, the seat cushion 30 is stood up substantially vertically.Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back 12 istilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seat back 12is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of the seatcushion 30, and the seat 390 is stowed (known as double-folded stowing)(similarly to FIG. 10).

When the seat 390 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the fourth link 242, the cushion front link 216 and theseventh link 392 are turned substantially 90° forward. Thus, aseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the fourthlink 242 at the position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 andthe cushion front link 216 at the position of joining to the cushion subframe 212 is contracted due to a difference in turning paths of thefourth link 242 and the cushion front link 216, the cushion sub frame212 is turned toward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushionmain frame 206, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame212 is contracted. Moreover, a separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the fourth link 242 at the position ofjoining to the cushion main frame 206 and the seventh link 392 at theposition of joining to the under cover 354 is contracted due to adifference in turning paths of the fourth link 242 and the seventh link392, the cushion main frame 206 is turned toward the under cover 354relative to the under cover 354, and the separation in the seat cushion30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the lowerwall of the under cover 354 is contracted. Therefore, even in a case inwhich thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion mainportion 30A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance withstowing of the seat 390, the thickness of the cushion side portion 30Bis contracted in the region at the face side relative to the cushionmain frame 206, along with which the thicknesses of the cushion sideportion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A are contracted in theregion at the reverse side relative to the cushion main frame 206, thethicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A can be made equal, and space (space at the front side and rear sideof the seat cushion 30) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 390(a luggage compartment) can be made larger, along with which a possibleangle of tilting (reclining), to rearward, of a seat (not shown) at thefront side of the seat 390 can be made larger.

Thirty-Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 75 shows an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftrearward, of principal elements of a seat 400 relating to a thirty-fifthembodiment that is structured with the seat structure of the presentinvention.

The seat 400 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-first embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 400 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-flat stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, a front portion of thecushion main frame 206 is turnably joined to the fixed bracket 252 atthe vehicle side by the first joint shaft 254. Further, the rear portionof the cushion main frame 206 is not directly joined to the lowerportion of the back main frame 16.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged with the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fixedbracket 252, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side.Further, the rear locking mechanism 234 passes through the aperture 356of the under cover 354. Accordingly, joining of the cushion main frame206 with the vehicle side by the rear locking mechanism 234 is enabled.

Here, in the present embodiment, the cushion front link 216 (includingthe restricting portion 352) of the above-described thirty-firstembodiment is not provided.

The upper end of the cushion joint link 256, which structures thecushion connection mechanism, is non-turnably joined to the frontportion of the cushion sub frame 212, and the lower end of the cushionjoint link 256 is turnably joined to the fixed bracket 252 at an upperside (a position which is offset from the first joint shaft 254) of thefirst joint shaft 254 (a turning center of the cushion main frame 206).Accordingly, turning of the cushion joint link 256 and the cushion subframe 212 is locked.

At both the left and the right side region, a lower end of a coverinterlocking link 402, which structures the cushion connectionmechanism, is non-turnably joined to the front portion of the undercover 354. An upper end of the cover interlocking link 402 is turnablyjoined to the fixed bracket 252, at the lower side (a position which isoffset from the first joint shaft 254) of the first joint shaft 254 (theturning center of the cushion main frame 206). Accordingly, turning ofthe cover interlocking link 402 and the under cover 354 is locked, andoperation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. In additionto this, the under cover 354 covers the lower side of the seat cushionmain body 30C, along with which the lower wall of the under cover 354and the cushion main frame 206 are separated, and a gap is formedbetween the lower wall of the under cover 354 and the lower face of theseat cushion main body 30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 400 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fixed bracket 252 and locked, the lower end of the cushionjoint link 256 and the upper end of the cover interlocking link 402 areturnably joined to the fixed bracket 252. Thus, turning of the cushionmain frame 206, the cushion joint link 256, the cushion sub frame 212,the cover interlocking link 402 and the under cover 354 is locked, andoperation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, asupporting rigidity of the cushion side portion 30B from the lower sidecan be enhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame212), and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on thecushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 400, thecushion side portion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially180° forward, the seat cushion 30 is inverted to be substantiallyhorizontal. Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seatback 12 is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus theseat back 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side ofthe seat cushion 30, and the seat 400 is stowed (known as double-flatstowing) (similarly to FIG. 11).

When the seat 400 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the cushion main frame 206, the cushion sub frame 212(including the cushion joint link 256) and the under cover 354(including the cover interlocking link 402) are turned substantially180° forward. Thus, a separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the first joint shaft 254 and the cushion joint link256 at the position of joining to the cushion sub frame 212 iscontracted due to a difference in turning paths of the cushion mainframe 206 and the cushion sub frame 212, the cushion sub frame 212 isturned toward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion mainframe 206, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness directionbetween the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 iscontracted. Moreover, a separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the first joint shaft 254 and the cover interlockinglink 402 at the position of joining to the under cover 354 is contracteddue to a difference in turning paths of the cushion main frame 206 andthe under cover 354, the under cover 354 is turned toward the cushionmain frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206, and theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted. Therefore, even in a case in which thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times ofusual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 400,the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B is contracted in theregion at the face side relative to the cushion main frame 206, alongwith which the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the reverseside relative to the cushion main frame 206, the thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A can be madeequal, and space (space at the upper side of the seat cushion 30) in thecabin at times of stowage of the seat 400 (a luggage compartment) can bemade larger, along with which interference of the seat cushion 30 withthe cabin floor surface 202 can be suppressed.

Thirty-Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 76 shows an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftforward, of principal elements of a seat 410 relating to a thirty-sixthembodiment that is structured with the seat structure of the presentinvention.

The seat 410 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-first embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 410 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, a front-rear directionintermediate portion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnably joined tothe leg 262 at the vehicle side, and turning of the cushion main frame206 relative to the leg 262 is locked. Accordingly, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the leg 262, and the seat cushion 30 issupported at the vehicle side. Further, the rear portion of the cushionmain frame 206 is not directly joined to the lower portion of the backmain frame 16.

The cushion front link 216 structures the cushion flexing component. Theupper end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thecushion sub frame 212, along with which the cushion front link 216 isjoined to the cushion main frame 206 and the vehicle side. Further, therestricting portion 352 of the above-described thirty-first embodimentis not provided at the cushion front link 216.

The front end of the cushion operation link 264, which serves as thecushion connection mechanism, is turnably joined, at a position otherthan the upper end (tuning center), to the cushion front link 216. Therear end of the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joined to the leg262 at the lower side of a position of joining of the cushion main frame206 (at a position which is offset from this position of joining).Accordingly, turning of the cushion operation link 264, the cushionfront link 216 and the cushion sub frame 212 is locked.

The circular shaft-form slide shaft 372 is fixed to the lower end of thecushion front link 216. The slide shaft 372 protrudes outward in theleft-right direction from the cushion front link 216.

At both the left and the right side region, the guide plate 374 with theinverted letter-U form plate shape in cross-section, which serves as theguide member, is fixed to the vicinity of the front portion of the upperface of the lower wall of the under cover 354. The upper wall of theguide plate 374 is formed in the flat plate form. The slide shaft 372passes into the guide plate 374. Accordingly, the upper wall of theguide plate 374 engages with the slide shaft 372, and turning of theunder cover 354 to downward is restricted. Thus, operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is locked, in addition to which the undercover 354 covers the lower side of the seat cushion main body 30C, alongwith which the lower wall of the under cover 354 and the cushion mainframe 206 are separated, and a gap is formed between the lower wall ofthe under cover 354 and the lower face of the seat cushion main body30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 410 of the structure described above, in a state in whichturning by the cushion main frame 206 relative to the leg 262 at thevehicle side is locked, the rear end of the cushion operation link 264is turnably joined to the leg 262. Thus, turning of the cushion mainframe 206, the cushion sub frame 212, the cushion front link 216, thecushion operation link 264 and the under cover 354 is locked, andoperation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, asupporting rigidity from the lower side of the cushion side portion 30Bcan be enhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame212), and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on thecushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 410, thecushion side portion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of turning of the cushion main frame 206relative to the leg 262 being released and the seat cushion 30 beingturned rearward, the seat cushion 30 is disposed substantiallyvertically at the front side of the seat back 12, and the seat 410 isstowed (known as tip-up stowing) (similarly to FIG. 17).

When the seat 410 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned rearward), the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion operationlink 264 (including the cushion front link 216) are turned substantially90° rearward. Thus, due to a difference in turning paths of the cushionmain frame 206 and the cushion operation link 264, the cushion frontlink 216 turns relative to the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionoperation link 264 and, while the cushion sub frame 212 turns toward thecushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206, theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 is contracted.Moreover, by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the cushion front link216 in the guide plate 374, while the under cover 354 is turned towardthe cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206, theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted. Accordingly, even in a case in which thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times ofusual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 410,the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B is contracted in theregion at the face side relative to the cushion main frame 206, alongwith which the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the reverseside relative to the cushion main frame 206, the thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A can be madeequal, and space (space at the front side and rear side of the seat 410)in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 410 (a luggage compartment)can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described twenty-second embodiment, thiscan have a structure in which the seat 410 is formed as what is known asa tumble-storing type (see FIG. 5A), a structure in which the seat 410is formed as what is known as a space-increasing storage type (see FIG.5B), or a structure in which the seat 410 is formed as what is known asa rearward under-floor storage type (see FIG. 5C).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joined at the lowerside of the position of joining with the cushion main frame 206 of theleg 262. However, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion operation link 264 is turnably joined at the upper side of theposition of joining with the cushion main frame 206 of the leg 262 (at aposition which is offset from this position of joining).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in whichturning of the cushion main frame 206 relative to the leg 262 is locked.However, a structure may be formed in which the lower end of the cushionfront link 216 is made lockable at the vehicle side. In this case, anecessity of locking turning of the cushion main frame 206 relative tothe leg 262 can be eliminated.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thecushion front link 216 is slidably joined to the under cover 354, alongwith which it is turnably joined to the cushion sub frame 212. However,a structure may be formed in which the cushion front link 216 isturnably joined to the under cover 354 along with which it is slidablyjoined to the cushion sub frame 212. In this case, the structure isacceptable as long as the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joinedto a position of the cushion front link 216 other than the position ofjoining to the under cover 354.

Thirty-Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 77 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 420 relating to a thirty-seventh embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 420 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-third embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 420 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The rear end of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to theback main frame 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A (aposition which is offset from the tilting center 16A). Accordingly,turning of the cushion joint links 236, the cushion sub frame 212, thecushion joint link 238 and the under cover 354 is locked, and operationof the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described thirty-third embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 420 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 420 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushion subframe 212 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 forward, thecushion joint links 236 are turned, and the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion sub frame 212 and thecushion main frame 206 is contracted. Moreover, a separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion joint link 236 at aposition of joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slide shaft372 is contracted by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the cushion jointlink 236 in the guide plate 374 and, while the under cover 354 is turnedtoward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame206, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted. Therefore, even in a case in which thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times ofusual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 420,the thickness of the cushion side portion 30B is contracted in theregion at the face side relative to the cushion main frame 206, alongwith which the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the reverseside relative to the cushion main frame 206, the thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A can be madeequal, and space (space at the upper side of the seat cushion 30) in thecabin at times of stowage of the seat 420 (a luggage compartment) can bemade larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described twenty-third embodiment, astructure can be formed in which the seat 420 is formed as what is knownas a space-increasing storage type (see FIG. 15).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 78, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe upper side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, when the seat 420 is beingstowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is movedrearward. Thus, by movement to rearward of the cushion support portion208 which is to say the cushion joint links 236, the cushion joint links236 are turned, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion sub frame 212 and the cushion main frame206 is contracted. Moreover, the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion joint link 236 at the positionof joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slide shaft 372 iscontracted by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the cushion joint link236 in the guide plate 374 and, while the under cover 354 is turnedtoward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame206, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted.

Thirty-Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 79 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 430 relating to a thirty-eighth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention. FIG. 80 shows aperspective view, viewed from diagonally left forward, of the principalelements of the seat 430. FIG. 82A shows a sectional view, viewed fromforward, of the principal elements of the seat 430.

The seat 430 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described twenty-fourth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 430 relating to the present embodiment, the shaft-form orboard-form restricting portion 352 is provided at the cushion front link216, at the lower side of a position of joining to the cushion mainframe 206. The restricting portion 352 protrudes outward in theleft-right direction from the cushion front link 216.

At the lower side of the cushion main frame 206 (the reverse side regionof the seat cushion 30), the under cover 354 is provided, which servesas the cushion reverse side member of the cushion flexing component. Theunder cover 354 is formed as a substantially square container, with theupper face open. Both the left and the right side region of the rearportion of the under cover 354 is turnably joined to the respective oneof the two left and right side regions of the rear portion of thecushion main frame 206. At the center of the lower wall of the undercover 354, the rectangular aperture aperture 356 is penetratinglyformed. The cushion front link 216 passes through the aperture 356.Thus, joining of the cushion main frame 206 with the vehicle side by thecushion front link 216 is enabled. The under cover 354 is engaged withthe seat cushion main body 30C (a region of the seat cushion 30 otherthan the under cover 354), and turning to the lower side is restricted.Accordingly, the under cover 354 covers the lower side of the seatcushion main body 30C, along with which the lower wall of the undercover 354 and the cushion main frame 206 are separated, and a gap isformed between the lower wall of the under cover 354 and the lower faceof the seat cushion main body 30C. The restricting portion 352 of thecushion front link 216 abuts against the lower wall of the under cover354 from the upper side. Accordingly, turning of the under cover 354 toupward is restricted.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear passage hole 358,which is formed to be long, is penetratingly formed in the rear wall ofthe under cover 354. The rear passage hole 358 is arranged along theup-down direction and opens to the upper side. The arm 210 passesthrough at the rear passage hole 358. Accordingly, joining of the lowerend of the back main frame 16 with the cushion main frame 206 by the aim210 is enabled.

The whole of the outer peripheral surface of the under cover 354 iscovered with the additional cushion face skin (not shown) which servesas the cushion cover member, and the under cover 354 is accommodated inthe additional cushion face skin. Accordingly, appearance of the undercover 354, and hence the seat cushion 30, can be improved.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 430 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side. Thus, turning of thecushion main frame 206, the arm 210, the cushion front link 216, thecushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifthlinks 282 and the under cover 354 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B from the lower side can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 430, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 430 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 81).

When the seat 430 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionmain frame 206 (the seat cushion 30) is moved forward via the arm 210.Thus, the cushion front link 216 is turned forward, and the seat cushion30 is moved forward and downward.

Furthermore, when the seat 430 is being stowed, the cushion front link216 is turned forward and the cushion joint links 236 are turnedforward. Thus, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness directionbetween the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion support portion 208is contracted, along with which the fifth links 282 are turned forwardby movement forward of the cushion support portion 208, and theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion support portion 208 and the cushion sub frame 212 is contracted(see FIG. 82B). Moreover, a separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion front link 216 at a position of joining tothe cushion main frame 206 and the restricting portion 352 iscontracted. By turning of the cushion main frame 206 toward the lowerwall side of the under cover 354 relative to the under cover 354, due toabutting of the lower wall of the under cover 354 against the cabinfloor surface 202, the seat cushion main body 30C passes into theinterior of the under cover 354 until the lower face of the seat cushionmain body 30C abuts against the lower wall of the under cover 354.Therefore, even in a case in which thicknesses of the cushion sideportion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times of usual use aremade thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 430, thethicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A are contracted in the region at the face side and the region at thereverse side relative to the cushion main frame 206 and can be madeequal, and space (space at the upper side of the seat 430) in the cabinat times of stowage of the seat 430 (a luggage compartment) can be madelarger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described twenty-fourth embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is to led in which both theleft and the right side region of the rear portion of the cushion mainframe 206 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 at the upper sideof the tilting center 16A via the arm 210. However, as shown in FIG. 83,a structure may be formed in which both the left and the right sideregion of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnablyjoined to the back main frame 16 at the front side of the tilting center16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center 16A). In thiscase, the front end of the sixth link 284 is turnably joined to thecushion main frame 206, along with which the rear end of the sixth link284 is turnably joined to the cushion sub frame 212 or a position otherthan the lower end (turning center) of the fifth link 282. At both theleft and the right side region, the front passage hole 360, which isformed to be long, is penetratingly formed from the front wall to thefront portion of the lower wall of the under cover 354. The frontpassage hole 360 is arranged along the up-down direction and thefront-rear direction at the front side of the cushion front link 216,along with which it is communicated with the aperture 356. Further, whenthe seat 430 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12)is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushion mainframe 206 (the seat cushion 30) is moved forward. Thus, the cushionfront link 216 is turned forward while passing into the front passagehole 360, and the seat cushion 30 is moved rearward and downward.Furthermore, when the seat 430 is being stowed, the cushion front link216 is turned rearward and the cushion joint links 236 are turnedrearward. Thus, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion supportportion 208 is contracted, along with which the fifth links 282 areturned rearward by movement rearward of the cushion support portion 208,and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion support portion 208 and the cushion sub frame 212 iscontracted. Moreover, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion front link 216 at a position of joining tothe cushion main frame 206 and the restricting portion 352 iscontracted. By turning of the cushion main frame 206 toward the lowerwall side of the under cover 354 relative to the under cover 354, due toabutting of the lower wall of the under cover 354 against the cabinfloor surface 202, the seat cushion main body 30C passes into theinterior of the under cover 354 until the lower face of the seat cushionmain body 30C abuts against the lower wall of the under cover 354.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which therestricting portion 352 is provided at the cushion front link 216.However, a structure may be formed in which the restricting portion 352is not provided at the cushion front link 216.

Thirty-Ninth Embodiment

FIG. 84 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 440 relating to a thirty-ninth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 440 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the seat 440 relating to the present embodiment, the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined, at the upper end, to the front portion ofthe cushion main frame 206. The cushion front link 216 is not joined tothe cushion support portion 208, along with which the restrictingportion 352 of the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment is notprovided.

At both the left and the right side region of the front portion of thecushion main frame 206, an intermediate portion of the regulation link222 is turnably joined. The regulation link 222, at the upper end, isturnably joined to the cushion support portion 208. The circularshaft-form slide shaft 372 is fixed to the lower end of the regulationlink 222. The slide shaft 372 protrudes outward in the left-rightdirection from the regulation link 222.

The circular rod-shaped control lever 42 which serves as the controlmechanism is engaged at the intermediate portion (turning center) of theregulation link 222. The control lever 42 is formed as a dial-typeregulator or the like. A turn-locking mechanism (not shown) which servesas the locking mechanism is provided at the control lever 42. Turning ofthe control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-locking mechanism, andthus turning of the regulation link 222, the cushion joint links 236,the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion subframe 212 and the sixth link 284 is locked. The control lever 42protrudes to sideward of the seat cushion 30, and by the control lever42 being turningly controlled, the regulation link 222 is made turnable.

At both a left and a right side region, the guide plate 374 with theinverted letter-U form plate shape in cross-section which serves as theguide member is fixed to the vicinity of the front portion of the upperface of the lower wall of the under cover 354. The upper wall of theguide plate 374 is formed in a flat plate form. The slide shaft 372 ofthe regulation link 222 passes into the guide plate 374. Accordingly,the upper wall of the guide plate 374 engages with the slide shaft 372,and turning of the under cover 354 to downward is restricted. Thus,movement of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted, in addition towhich the under cover 354 covers the lower side of the seat cushion mainbody 30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 440 of the structure described above, in the state in whichtilting of the back main frame 16 around the tilting center 16A islocked by the reclining mechanism 18, the lower end of the cushion frontlink 216 is turnably joined to the vehicle side, in addition to whichturning of the control lever 42 is obstructed by the turn-lockingmechanism. Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the arm 210, thecushion front link 216, the regulation link 222, the cushion joint links236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushionsub frame 212 and the sixth link 284 is locked, and operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supportingrigidity from the lower side of the cushion side portion 30B can beenhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212),and even when a load in the left-right direction acts on the cushionside portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat 440, the cushion sideportion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

In a state in which turning obstruction by the turn locking-mechanism ofthe control lever 42 is released, by the control lever 42 beingturningly controlled and the regulation link 222 and the cushion jointlink 236 being turned, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion supportportion 208 is flexed, along with which, by movement of the cushionsupport portion 208 to forward or rearward, the fifth links 282 areturned forward or rearward and the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion support portion 208 and thecushion sub frame 212 is flexed. Moreover, the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the regulation link 222 at theposition of joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slide shaft372 is flexed by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the regulation link222 in the guide plate 374, and the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the lowerwall of the under cover 354 is flexed while the under cover 354 isturned relative to the cushion main frame 206. Accordingly,independently of stowing of the seat 440, the thicknesses of the cushionside portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A are flexed in theregion at the face side and the region at the reverse side relative tothe cushion main frame 206, and can be adjusted.

Fortieth Embodiment

FIG. 85A shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 450 relating to a fortieth embodiment that is structured withthe seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 450 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 450 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 450.

The seat 450 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back forward-folding stowing type.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thefront bracket 232 at the vehicle side. The cushion front link 216 isturnably joined, at the upper end, to the front portion of the cushionmain frame 206. The cushion front link 216 does not function as thecushion connection mechanism, and is not directly joined to the cushionsupport portion 208. Further, the restricting portion 352 of theabove-described thirty-eighth embodiment is not provided at the cushionfront link 216.

At the lower side of the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, atboth the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism 234which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged. The rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicleside. Further, the rear locking mechanism 234 passes through theaperture 356 of the under cover 354. Accordingly, joining of the cushionmain frame 206 with the vehicle side by the rear locking mechanism 234is enabled.

The lower end of the back main frame 16 is turnably joined to the arm210 to be tiltable around the tilting center 16A. Accordingly, the backmain frame 16 is supported at the vehicle side via the arm 210, thecushion main frame 206, the rear locking mechanism 234 and the cushionfront link 216, and the seat back 12 is supported at the vehicle side.

The predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of the cushionjoint links 236, which serve as the cushion joining component of thecushion flexing component, are turnably joined, at the upper ends, tothe cushion support portion 208. The cushion joint link 236 at the frontportion of the cushion support portion 208 is turnably joined, at anintermediate portion, to the cushion main frame 206, along with whichthe cushion joint link 236 other than that cushion joint link 236 isturnably joined, at the lower end, to the cushion main frame 206.

The circular shaft-form slide shaft 372 is fixed, at the lower end, tothe cushion joint link 236 at the front portion of the cushion supportportion 208. The slide shaft 372 protrudes outward in the left-rightdirection from this cushion joint link 236.

At both the left and the right side region, the guide plate 374 with theinverted letter-U form plate shape in cross-section, which serves as theguide member, is fixed to the vicinity of the front portion of the upperface of the lower wall of the under cover 354. The upper wall of theguide plate 374 is formed in the flat plate form. The slide shaft 372passes into the guide plate 374. Accordingly, the upper wall of theguide plate 374 engages with the slide shaft 372, and turning of theunder cover 354 to downward is restricted. Thus, the under cover 354covers the lower side of the seat cushion main body 30C, along withwhich the lower wall of the under cover 354 and the cushion main frame206 are separated, and a gap is formed between the lower wall of theunder cover 354 and the lower face of the seat cushion main body 30C.

The front end of the cushion joint link 238 which serves as the cushionconnection mechanism is turnably joined to the rear end of the cushionsub frame 212 or the upper end (anywhere other than the lower end isacceptable) of the cushion joint link 236 at the rear portion of thecushion support portion 208. The rear end of the cushion joint link 238is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 at the upper side of thetilting center 16A (a position which is offset from the tilting center16A). Accordingly, turning of the cushion joint links 236, the cushionsupport portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame 212, thesixth link 284, the cushion joint link 238 and the under cover 354 islocked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

Operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 450 of the structure described above, in a state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the cushion front link 216, tilting of the back main frame 16around the tilting center 16A is locked by the reclining mechanism 18.Thus, turning of the cushion main frame 206, the arm 210, the cushionjoint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282,the cushion sub frame 212, the sixth link 284, the cushion joint link238 and the under cover 354 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from thelower side of the cushion side portion 30B can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when aload in the left-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30Bfrom a crew sitting in the seat 450, the cushion side portion 30B canthoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

By the reclining mechanism 18 being controlled and the seat back 12being tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, the seat back 12 isfolded onto the upper side of the seat cushion 30, and the seat 450 isstowed (known as fold-forward stowing) (see FIG. 85B).

When the seat 450 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushionsupport portion 208 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 forward,the cushion joint links 236 are turned forward and the separation in theseat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206and the cushion support portion 208 is contracted. Along with this, bymovement of the cushion support portion 208 forward, the fifth links 282are turned forward and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 is contracted. Moreover, by sliding of the slide shaft 372 ofthe cushion joint link 236 in the guide plate 374, the separation in theseat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion joint link 236at the position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slideshaft 372 is contracted and, while the under cover 354 is turned towardthe cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206, theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted. Therefore, even in a case in which thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times ofusual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 450,the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion mainportion 30A are contracted in the region at the front side and theregion at the reverse side relative to the cushion main frame 206 andcan be made equal, and space (space at the upper side of the seat 450)in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 450 (a luggage compartment)can be made larger.

Therefore, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described thirty-eighth embodiment can be produced.

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the upper side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 86, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe lower side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, the front end of the sixthlink 284 is turnably joined to the cushion main frame 206, along withwhich the rear end of the sixth link 284 is turnably joined to thecushion sub frame 212 or a position other than the lower end (turningcenter) of the fifth links 282. Furthermore, when the seat 450 is beingstowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted forwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is movedrearward. Thus, by movement of the cushion support portion 208 which isto say the cushion joint links 236 rearward, the cushion joint links 236are turned rearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion supportportion 208 is contracted, along with which, by movement of the cushionsupport portion 208 rearward, the fifth links 282 are turned rearward,and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion support portion 208 and the cushion sub frame 212 iscontracted. Moreover, by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the cushionjoint link 236 in the guide plate 374, the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion joint link 236 andthe position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slideshaft 372 is contracted and, while the under cover 354 is turned towardthe cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame 206, theseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between thecushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted.

Forty-First Embodiment

FIG. 87 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 460 relating to a forty-first embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 460 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

In the present embodiment, the cabin floor surface 202 at the front sideof the seat 460 is made lower than the cabin floor surface 202 directlybelow the seat 460.

The seat 460 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-folded stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, the upper end of the fourthlink 242 is non-turnably joined to the lower side of the front portionof the cushion main frame 206. The lower end of the fourth link 242 isturnably joined to the front bracket 232 at the vehicle side. In thepresent embodiment, the arm 210 of the above-described thirty-eighthembodiment is not provided.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged at the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fourthlink 242, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side.

Further, the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fourth link 242 passthrough the aperture 356 of the under cover 354. Accordingly, joining ofthe cushion main frame 206 with the vehicle side by the rear lockingmechanism 234 and the fourth link 242 is enabled.

The predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of the cushionjoint links 236 are turnably joined, at the lower ends, to both the leftand the right side region of the cushion main frame 206. Thepredetermined number of the cushion joint links 236 are turnably joined,at the upper ends, to both the left and the right side region of thecushion support portion 208.

The lower end of the cushion front link 216 is turnably joined to thefront bracket 232 at the vehicle side, at the rear side of the positionof joining to the front bracket 232 (turning center) of the fourth link242 (at a position which is offset from this joining position). Thecushion front link 216 is joined in a condition of being movable, in thelength direction, at the cushion main frame 206. The cushion front link216, at the upper end, is non-turnably joined to the cushion sub frame212. Accordingly, turning of the cushion front link 216, the cushionjoint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282and the cushion sub frame 212 is locked. Further, the restrictingportion 352 of the thirty-eighth embodiment is not provided at thecushion front link 216. Further yet, in the present embodiment, thesixth link 284 of the thirty-eighth embodiment is not provided.

At the lower side of both the left and the right side region, the upperend of the seventh link 392 which structures the cushion connectionmechanism is non-turnably joined to the front portion of the lower wallof the under cover 354. The lower end of the seventh link 392 isturnably joined to the front bracket 232 at the vehicle side, at thefront side of the position of joining to the front bracket 232 (turningcenter) of the fourth link 242 (at a position which is offset from thisjoining position). Accordingly, turning of the seventh link 392 and theunder cover 354 is locked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism204 is restricted. In addition to this, the under cover 354 covers thelower side of the seat cushion main body 30C, along with which the lowerwall of the under cover 354 and the cushion main frame 206 areseparated, and a gap is formed between the lower wall of the under cover354 and the lower face of the seat cushion main body 30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 460 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fourth link 242 and locked, the lower ends of the cushionfront link 216 and the seventh link 392 are turnably joined to thevehicle side. Thus, turning of the fourth link 242, the cushion mainframe 206, the cushion front link 216, the cushion sub frame 212, thecushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208, the fifthlinks 282, the cushion sub frame 212, the seventh link 392 and the undercover 354 is locked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 isrestricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity of the cushion side portion30B from the lower side can be enhanced by the cushion link mechanism204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 460, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughly retain thecrew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially90° forward, the seat cushion 30 is stood up substantially vertically.Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back 12 istilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seat back 12is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of the seatcushion 30, and the seat 460 is stowed (known as double-folded stowing)(similarly to FIG. 10).

When the seat 460 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the fourth link 242, the cushion front link 216 and theseventh link 392 are turned substantially 90° forward. Thus, aseparation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the fourthlink 242 at the position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 andthe cushion front link 216 at the position of joining to the cushion subframe 212 is contracted due to the difference in turning paths of thefourth link 242 and the cushion front link 216 and, while the cushionjoint links 236 and the fifth links 282 are turned, the separation inthe seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame206 and the cushion support portion 208 and the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion support portion 208and the cushion sub frame 212 are contracted. Moreover, a separation inthe seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the fourth link 242 atthe position of joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the seventhlink 392 at the position of joining to the under cover 354 is contracteddue to the difference in turning paths of the fourth link 242 and theseventh link 392, and the cushion main frame 206 is turned toward theunder cover 354 relative to the under cover 354 and the separation inthe seat cushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 is contracted. Therefore,even in a case in which thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B andthe cushion main portion 30A for times of usual use are made thicker, inaccordance with stowing of the seat 460, the thicknesses of the cushionside portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A are contracted in theregion at the face side and the region at the reverse side relative tothe cushion main frame 206 and can be made equal, and space (space atthe front side and rear side of the seat cushion 30) in the cabin attimes of stowage of the seat 460 (a luggage compartment) can be madelarger, along with which a possible angle of tilting (reclining), torearward, of a seat (not shown) at the front side of the seat 460 can bemade larger.

Forty-Second Embodiment

FIG. 88 shows an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftrearward, of principal elements of a seat 470 relating to a forty-secondembodiment that is structured with the seat structure of the presentinvention.

The seat 470 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 470 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a double-flat stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, the front portion of thecushion main frame 206 is turnably joined to the fixed bracket 252 atthe vehicle side by the first joint shaft 254. Further, in the presentembodiment, the arm 210 and the cushion front link 216 (including therestricting portion 352) of the above-described thirty-eighth embodimentis not provided.

At both the left and the right side region, the rear locking mechanism234 which serves as the locking mechanism is engaged with the lower sideof the rear portion of the cushion main frame 206, and the rear lockingmechanism 234 is locked to the vehicle side. Thus, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism 234 and the fixedbracket 252, and the seat cushion 30 is supported at the vehicle side.Further, the rear locking mechanism 234 passes through the aperture 356of the under cover 354. Accordingly, joining of the cushion main frame206 with the vehicle side by the rear locking mechanism 234 is enabled.

The predetermined number (two in the present embodiment) of the cushionjoint links 236 are turnably joined, at the lower ends, to both the leftand the right side region of the cushion main frame 206. Thepredetermined number of the cushion joint links 236 are turnably joined,at the upper ends, to both the left and the right side region of thecushion support portion 208.

The upper end of the cushion joint link 256 which structures the cushionconnection mechanism is non-turnably joined to the front portion of thecushion sub frame 212, and the lower end of the cushion joint link 256is turnably joined to the fixed bracket 252 at an upper side (a positionwhich is offset from the first joint shaft 254) of the first joint shaft254 (a turning center of the cushion main frame 206). Accordingly,turning of the cushion joint link 256, the cushion joint links 236, thecushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282 and the cushion subframe 212 is locked. Further, in the present embodiment, the sixth link284 of the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment is not provided.

At both the left and the right side region, the lower end of the coverinterlocking link 402 which structures the cushion connection mechanismis non-turnably joined to the front portion of the under cover 354. Theupper end of the cover interlocking link 402 is turnably joined to thefixed bracket 252, at the lower side (a position which is offset fromthe first joint shaft 254) of the first joint shaft 254 (the turningcenter of the cushion main frame 206). Accordingly, turning of the coverinterlocking link 402 and the under cover 354 is locked, and operationof the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted. In addition to this,the under cover 354 covers the lower side of the seat cushion main body30C, along with which the lower wall of the under cover 354 and thecushion main frame 206 are separated, and a gap is formed between thelower wall of the under cover 354 and the lower face of the seat cushionmain body 30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 470 of the structure described above, in the state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is supported at the rear locking mechanism234 and the fixed bracket 252 and locked, the lower end of the cushionjoint link 256 and the upper end of the cover interlocking link 402 areturnably joined to the fixed bracket 252. Thus, turning of the cushionmain frame 206, the cushion joint link 256, the cushion joint links 236,the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282, the cushion subframe 212, the cover interlocking link 402 and the under cover 354 islocked, and operation of the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.Therefore, a supporting rigidity of the cushion side portion 30B fromthe lower side can be enhanced by the cushion link mechanism 204 (thecushion sub frame 212), and even when a load in the left-right directionacts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting in the seat470, the cushion side portion 30B can thoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of the rear locking mechanism 234 to the vehicleside being released and the seat cushion 30 being turned substantially180° forward, the seat cushion 30 is inverted to be substantiallyhorizontal. Then, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seatback 12 is tilted forward around the tilting center 16A, and thus theseat back 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side ofthe seat cushion 30, and the seat 470 is stowed (known as double-flatstowing) (similarly to FIG. 11).

When the seat 470 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned forward), the cushion main frame 206, the cushion sub frame 212(including the cushion joint link 256) and the under cover 354(including the cover interlocking link 402) are turned substantially180° forward. Thus, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the first joint shaft 254 and the cushion joint link256 at the position of joining to the cushion sub frame 212 iscontracted due to the difference in turning paths of the cushion mainframe 206 and the cushion sub frame 212 and, while the cushion jointlinks 236 and the fifth links 282 are turned, the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 andthe cushion support portion 208 and the separation in the seat cushion30 thickness direction between the cushion support portion 208 and thecushion sub frame 212 are contracted. Moreover, the separation in theseat cushion 30 thickness direction between the first joint shaft 254and the cover interlocking link 402 at the position of joining to theunder cover 354 is contracted due to the difference in turning paths ofthe cushion main frame 206 and the under cover 354, and the under cover354 is turned toward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushionmain frame 206 and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of theunder cover 354 is contracted. Accordingly, even in a case in whichthicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowingof the seat 470, the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the face sideand the region at the reverse side relative to the cushion main frame206 and can be made equal, and space (space at the upper side of theseat cushion 30) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 470 (aluggage compartment) can be made larger, along with which interferenceof the seat cushion 30 with the cabin floor surface 202 can besuppressed.

Forty-Third Embodiment

FIG. 89 shows an exploded perspective view, viewed from diagonally leftforward, of principal elements of a seat 480 relating to a forty-thirdembodiment that is structured with the seat structure of the presentinvention.

The seat 480 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 480 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a tip-up stowing type.

At both the left and the right side region, a front-rear directionintermediate portion of the cushion main frame 206 is turnably joined tothe leg 262 at the vehicle side, and turning of the cushion main frame206 relative to the leg 262 is locked. Accordingly, the cushion mainframe 206 is supported at the leg 262, and the seat cushion 30 issupported at the vehicle side. In the present embodiment, the arm 210 ofthe above-described thirty-eighth embodiment is not provided.

The cushion front link 216 structures the cushion flexing component, andthe lower end of the cushion front link 216 is joined to the cushionmain frame 206 and the vehicle side. Further, the restricting portion352 of the above-described thirty-eighth embodiment is not provided atthe cushion front link 216.

The front end of the cushion operation link 264 which serves as thecushion connection mechanism is turnably joined to the cushion frontlink 216, at a position other than the upper end (turning center). Therear end of the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joined to the leg262 at the lower side of the position of joining of the cushion mainframe 206 (at a position which is offset from this position of joining).Accordingly, turning of the cushion operation link 264, the cushionfront link 216, the cushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion208, the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame 212 and the sixth link284 is locked.

The circular shaft-form slide shaft 372 is fixed to the lower end of thecushion front link 216. The slide shaft 372 protrudes outward in theleft-right direction from the cushion front link 216.

At both the left and the right side region, the guide plate 374 with theinverted letter-U form plate shape in cross-section, which serves as theguide member, is fixed to the vicinity of the front portion of the upperface of the lower wall of the under cover 354. The upper wall of theguide plate 374 is formed in the flat plate form. The slide shaft 372passes into the guide plate 374. Accordingly, the upper wall of theguide plate 374 engages with the slide shaft 372, and turning of theunder cover 354 to downward is restricted. Thus, operation of thecushion link mechanism 204 is locked, in addition to which the undercover 354 covers the lower side of the seat cushion main body 30C, alongwith which the lower wall of the under cover 354 and the cushion mainframe 206 are separated, and a gap is formed between the lower wall ofthe under cover 354 and the lower face of the seat cushion main body30C.

Next, operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the seat 480 of the structure described above, in a state in whichthe cushion main frame 206 is joined to the leg 262 while turning islocked, the cushion operation link 264 is turnably joined to the leg262. Thus, turning of the cushion operation link 264, the cushion frontlink 216, the cushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208,the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame 212, the sixth link 284 andthe under cover 354 is locked, and operation of the cushion linkmechanism 204 is restricted. Therefore, a supporting rigidity from thelower side of the cushion side portion 30B can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204 (the cushion sub frame 212), and even when aload in the left-right direction acts on the cushion side portion 30Bfrom a crew sitting in the seat 480, the cushion side portion 30B canthoroughly retain the crew.

Moreover, the operation plane of the cushion link mechanism 204 (theturning plane of the cushion sub frame 212) is made perpendicular to theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30. Therefore, a supportingrigidity of the cushion side portion 30B with respect to a load in theleft-right direction of the seat cushion 30 can be enhanced by thecushion link mechanism 204, and even when a load in the left-rightdirection acts on the cushion side portion 30B from a crew sitting inthe seat 10, the cushion side portion 30B can even more thoroughlyretain the crew.

Further, by the locking of turning of the cushion main frame 206relative to the leg 262 being released and the seat cushion 30 beingturned rearward, the seat cushion 30 is disposed substantiallyvertically at the front side of the seat back 12, and the seat 480 isstowed (known as tip-up stowing) (similarly to FIG. 17).

When the seat 480 is being stowed (when the seat cushion 30 is beingturned rearward), the cushion main frame 206 and the cushion operationlink 264 (including the cushion front link 216) are turned substantially90° rearward. Thus, due to the difference in turning paths of thecushion main frame 206 and the cushion operation link 264, the cushionfront link 216 turns relative to the cushion main frame 206 and thecushion operation link 264 and, while the cushion joint links 236 andthe fifth links 282 are turned, the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionsupport portion 208 and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 are contracted. Moreover, by sliding of the slide shaft 372 ofthe cushion front link 216 in the guide plate 374, while the under cover354 is turned toward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushionmain frame 206, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of theunder cover 354 is contracted. Accordingly, even in a case in whichthicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion30A for times of usual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowingof the seat 480, the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and thecushion main portion 30A are contracted in the region at the face sideand the region at the reverse side relative to the cushion main frame206 and can be made equal, and space (space at the front side and rearside of the seat 480) in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 480(a luggage compartment) can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described twenty-second embodiment, thiscan have a structure in which the seat 480 is formed as what is known asa tumble-storing type (see FIG. 5A), a structure in which the seat 480is formed as what is known as a space-increasing storage type (see FIG.5B), or a structure in which the seat 480 is formed as what is known asa rearward under-floor storage type (see FIG. 5C).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thecushion operation link 264 is turnably joined at the lower side of theposition of joining with the cushion main frame 206 of the leg 262.However, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of the cushionoperation link 264 is turnably joined at the upper side of the positionof joining with the cushion main frame 206 of the leg 262 (at a positionwhich is offset from this position of joining).

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in whichturning of the cushion main frame 206 relative to the leg 262 is locked.However, a structure may be formed in which the lower end of the cushionfront link 216 is made lockable at the vehicle side. In this case, anecessity of locking turning of the cushion main frame 206 relative tothe leg 262 can be eliminated.

Further, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which thecushion front link 216 is slidably joined to the under cover 354, alongwith which it is turnably joined to the cushion support portion 208.However, a structure may be formed in which the cushion front link 216is turnably joined to the under cover 354 along with which it isslidably joined to the cushion support portion 208. In this case, thestructure is acceptable as long as the cushion operation link 264 isturnably joined to a position of the cushion front link 216 other thanthe position of joining to the under cover 354.

Forty-Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 90 shows a side view, viewed from leftward, of principal elementsof a seat 490 relating to a forty-fourth embodiment that is structuredwith the seat structure of the present invention.

The seat 490 relating to the present embodiment has a substantiallysimilar structure to the above-described fortieth embodiment, butdiffers in the following respects.

The seat 490 relating to the present embodiment is formed as what isknown as a back rearward-folding stowing type.

The rear end of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to theback main frame 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A (aposition which is offset from the tilting center 16A). Accordingly,turning of the cushion joint links 236, the cushion support portion 208,the fifth links 282, the cushion sub frame 212, the sixth link 284, thecushion joint link 238 and the under cover 354 is locked, and operationof the cushion link mechanism 204 is restricted.

Here, with the present embodiment too, effects the same as in theabove-described fortieth embodiment can be produced.

In particular, the reclining mechanism 18 is controlled, the seat back12 is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and thus the seatback 12 is disposed substantially horizontally at the rear side of theseat cushion 30, and the seat 490 is stowed (known as rearward-foldingstowing).

When the seat 490 is being stowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back12) is tilted rearward around the tilting center 16A, and the cushionjoint link 238 is moved forward. Thus, by movement of the cushionsupport portion 208 which is to say the cushion joint links 236 toforward, the cushion support portion 208 which is to say the cushionjoint links 236 are turned forward, and the separation in the seatcushion 30 thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 andthe cushion support portion 208 is contracted. Along with this, bymovement of the cushion support portion 208 forward, the fifth links 282are turned forward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 is contracted. Moreover, a separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion joint link 236 at a position ofjoining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slide shaft 372 iscontracted by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the cushion joint link236 in the guide plate 374 and, while the under cover 354 is turnedtoward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame206, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted. Therefore, even in a case in which thicknesses of thecushion side portion 30B and the cushion main portion 30A for times ofusual use are made thicker, in accordance with stowing of the seat 490,the thicknesses of the cushion side portion 30B and the cushion mainportion 30A are contracted in the region at the face side and the regionat the reverse side relative to the cushion main frame 206 and can bemade equal, and space (space at the upper side of the seat cushion 30)in the cabin at times of stowage of the seat 490 (a luggage compartment)can be made larger.

Further, similarly to the above-described twenty-third embodiment, astructure can be formed in which the seat 490 is formed as what is knownas a space-increasing storage type (see FIG. 15).

Here, in the present embodiment, a structure is formed in which the rearend of the cushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back mainframe 16 at the lower side of the tilting center 16A. However, as shownin FIG. 91, a structure may be formed in which the rear end of thecushion joint link 238 is turnably joined to the back main frame 16 atthe upper side of the tilting center 16A (a position which is offsetfrom the tilting center 16A). In this case, the front end of the sixthlink 284 is turnably joined to the cushion main frame 206, along withwhich the rear end of the sixth link 284 is turnably joined to thecushion sub frame 212 or a position other than a lower end (turningcenter) of the fifth links 282. Furthermore, when the seat 490 is beingstowed, the back main frame 16 (the seat back 12) is tilted rearwardaround the tilting center 16A, and the cushion joint link 238 is movedrearward. Thus, by movement to rearward of the cushion support portion208 which is to say the cushion joint links 236, the cushion joint links236 are turned rearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion main frame 206 and the cushionsupport portion 208 is contracted. Along with this, by movement torearward of the cushion support portion 208, the fifth links 282 areturned rearward, and the separation in the seat cushion 30 thicknessdirection between the cushion support portion 208 and the cushion subframe 212 is contracted. Moreover, the separation in the seat cushion 30thickness direction between the cushion joint link 236 at the positionof joining to the cushion main frame 206 and the slide shaft 372 iscontracted by sliding of the slide shaft 372 of the cushion joint link236 in the guide plate 374 and, while the under cover 354 is turnedtoward the cushion main frame 206 relative to the cushion main frame206, the separation in the seat cushion 30 thickness direction betweenthe cushion main frame 206 and the lower wall of the under cover 354 iscontracted.

In the above-described thirty-first embodiment to forty-fourthembodiment, structures are formed in which the under cover 354 isprovided outside of the cushion face skin 218. However, structures maybe formed in which the under cover 354 is accommodated inside thecushion face skin 218.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   10 Seat    -   12 Seat back    -   12B Back side portion (seat side portion)    -   14 Back link mechanism (link mechanism)    -   16 Back main frame    -   20 Back backrest (back flexing component, back face side frame)    -   22 First link 22 (back flexing component)    -   24 Back sub frame (back flexing component, back face side frame,        back face frame)    -   26 Back joint link (back joint mechanism)    -   28 Back face skin (back cover member)    -   30 Seat cushion    -   30B Cushion side portion (seat side portion)    -   40 Seat    -   50 Seat    -   60 Seat    -   70 Seat    -   72 Second link (back flexing component)    -   74 Third link (back flexing component)    -   80 Seat    -   90 Seat    -   100 Seat    -   110 Seat    -   112 Back frame (back flexing component, back reverse side frame)    -   120 Seat    -   130 Seat    -   140 Seat    -   150 Seat    -   160 Seat    -   170 Seat    -   180 Seat    -   200 Seat    -   204 Cushion link mechanism (link mechanism)    -   206 Cushion main frame    -   208 Cushion support portion (cushion flexing component, cushion        face side frame)    -   212 Cushion sub frame (cushion flexing component, cushion face        side frame, cushion face frame)    -   214 Cushion joint shaft (cushion flexing component, cushion        joining component)    -   216 Cushion front link (cushion connection mechanism, cushion        flexing component)    -   218 Cushion face skin (cushion cover member)    -   220 Seat    -   230 Seat    -   236 Cushion joint link (cushion flexing component, cushion        joining component)    -   240 Seat    -   242 Fourth link    -   250 Seat    -   256 Cushion joint link (cushion connection mechanism)    -   260 Seat    -   264 Cushion operation link (cushion connection mechanism)    -   270 Seat    -   280 Seat    -   282 Fifth link (cushion flexing component)    -   284 Sixth link (cushion flexing component)    -   290 Seat    -   300 Seat    -   310 Seat    -   320 Seat    -   330 Seat    -   340 Seat    -   350 Seat    -   354 Under cover (cushion flexing component, cushion reverse side        member)    -   370 Seat    -   380 Seat    -   390 Seat    -   392 Seventh link (cushion connection mechanism)    -   400 Seat    -   402 Cover interlocking link (cushion connection mechanism)    -   410 Seat    -   420 Seat    -   430 Seat    -   440 Seat    -   450 Seat    -   460 Seat    -   470 Seat    -   480 Seat    -   490 Seat

The invention claimed is:
 1. A seat structure comprising: a seat sideportion provided at a left-right direction side portion of a seatcushion; and a link mechanism that, along with supporting the seat sideportion, is joined to at least one of a seat back and a vehicle side,operation being locked in a condition of use of a seat, is operated byoperation of at least one of the seat back and the seat cushion, andflexes a thickness of the seat side portion, wherein the link mechanismincludes: a cushion main frame provided inside the seat cushion; acushion flexing component including a cushion face side frame, which isprovided in the seat cushion at a face side relative to the cushion mainframe, and a cushion joining component, which turnably joins the cushionmain frame and the cushion face side frame; a cushion connectionmechanism that, along with being turnably joined to the vehicle side, isconnected to the cushion flexing component, and operates the cushionflexing component in accordance with operation of at least one of theseat back and the seat cushion; and a fourth link that, along with beingjoined to the cushion main frame, is turnably joined to the vehicle sideat a position which is offset from a turning center of the cushionconnection mechanism.
 2. A vehicle provided with a seat that isstructured with the seat structure of claim
 1. 3. A seat structurecomprising: a seat side portion provided at a left-right direction sideportion of a seat cushion; and a link mechanism that, along withsupporting the seat side portion, is joined to at least one of a seatback and a vehicle side, operation being locked in a condition of use ofa seat, is operated by operation of at least one of the seat back andthe seat cushion, and flexes a thickness of the seat side portion,wherein the link mechanism includes: a cushion main frame providedinside the seat cushion and turnably joined to the vehicle side; acushion flexing component including a cushion face side frame, which isprovided in the seat cushion at a face side relative to the cushion mainframe, and a cushion joining component, which turnably joins the cushionmain frame and the cushion face side frame; and a cushion connectionmechanism that, along with being turnably joined to the vehicle side ata position which is offset from a turning center of the cushion mainframe, is connected to the cushion flexing component, and operates thecushion flexing component in accordance with operation of at least oneof the seat back and the seat cushion.
 4. A vehicle provided with a seatthat is structured with the seat structure of claim 3.